Kate Ruane

Kate Ruane, Director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology, sheds light on the alarming NO FAKES Act. She discusses how this proposed legislation, while claiming to protect identities from deepfakes, could actually lead to harmful censorship and erode privacy. The bill's implications for journalists, artists, and free expression are explored, emphasizing the need for clear laws that truly protect individuals rather than empower corporations. Ruane champions the fight for genuine free speech amidst rising tech regulations.

Kate Ruane, Director at the Center for Democracy and Technology, joins to discuss the implications of recent online child-safety bills she recently testified against. She highlights how proposed laws could silence marginalized voices and impose harmful surveillance mechanisms. Kate critiques the Kids Online Safety Act for its potential to censor LGBTQ content and worsen privacy issues. They also discuss the perils of identity verification and how bans drive kids to unsafe online spaces, all while raising alarms about the chilling effects on free expression.

Andrew Desiderio, a Senior Reporter at Punchbowl News, and Kate Ruane, Director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology, dive into the heated debate over TikTok's future in the U.S. They discuss the complex national security concerns driving legislation and the implications for free expression. With TikTok users mobilizing against a possible ban, the conversation highlights how legislative actions are balancing security needs with digital rights and proposes the necessity of comprehensive data privacy reforms.