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.

In this enlightening discussion, Jennifer Holt, a Professor and the chair of film and media studies at UC Santa Barbara, dives into her book on cloud policy. She explores how the regulation of broadband, platforms, and data has gradually eroded civil liberties and democratic principles. Holt highlights the shift from viewing infrastructure as a public good to a profit-driven model and discusses the implications of surveillance capitalism. Her call to action urges both scholars and citizens to engage in the policymaking process to safeguard privacy and democracy.

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 Holt critiques outdated regulations, the environmental implications of cloud infrastructure, and the rise of surveillance capitalism, urging for a reevaluation of policies to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.