Jennifer Holt

In this discussion, Jennifer Holt, Chair of Film and Media Studies at UC Santa Barbara, delves into the complexities of US cloud policy and data ownership. She articulates how cloud technologies intersect with privacy, civil liberties, and regulatory challenges. Jennifer explores the historical context of data governance, emphasizing the narrative of changing power dynamics from government oversight to corporate control. The conversation also covers the implications of recent elections on Big Tech, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and informed advocacy in the digital landscape.

Jennifer Holt, a professor at UC Santa Barbara and author of "Cloud Policy: A History of Regulating Pipelines, Platforms, and Data," discusses how U.S. regulations have impacted civil liberties and democracy. She highlights the historical evolution of media policies alongside technology, emphasizing the need for equitable access to cloud services as a public good. Holt critiques outdated regulations, the environmental implications of cloud infrastructure, and the rise of surveillance capitalism, urging for a reevaluation of policies to prioritize public interest.