The podcast discusses the FTC's antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, focusing on allegations of competition suppression and the potential impact on consumers and small businesses. It explores the future of the lawsuit, including the possibility of a settlement or federal courtroom trial. Lina Khan's work on Amazon and antitrust enforcement is highlighted, along with concerns about conservative approaches to regulation. The podcast also examines the challenges in antitrust litigation and the ongoing cases against Facebook and Google.

This special episode dives deep on Taylor Swift, Ticketmaster, and how a handful of policy changes in the 1980s led to one firm so thoroughly dominating the live events business in the United States that Congress held a hearing in 2023, because Taylor Swift fans were so upset about antitrust law. That sentence is wild. We’re going to unpack all of this with the help of some experts. Here we go.Transcript:https://www.theverge.com/e/23409098Credits:Thanks so much to everyone who talked to us and shared their valuable insights for this episode including Dean Budnik, Florian Ederer, Russ Tannen, and Sandeep Vaheesan. And special thanks to Makena Kelly and Jake Kastrenakes. This episode was written and reported by Jackie McDermott and Owen Grove. It was produced by Jackie McDermott, Owen Grove, and Creighton DeSimone with help from Jasmine Lewis. It was edited by Callie Wright.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US intelligence warns of Chinese interference through Tik Tok in the presidential election. Debate over bill to force Chinese owners to sell app. Can Beijing use social media to undermine American democracy? Would banning Tik Tok stop it? Analysis by BBC and Wired journalists.

Makena Kelly, a political analyst at WIRED, and Tim Marchman, a political commentator, dive into the chaos of the recent presidential debate. They discuss Trump's trendy conspiracies and Harris's bold debating style. The duo unpacks the implications of aggressive campaign tactics, from strategic mailings to social media's quirky narratives. Listeners will enjoy insights on major issues like nuclear policy and rising political memes that emerged from the debate aftermath. Their dynamic dialogue reveals the evolving landscape of American politics.

Makena Kelly, a senior reporter at WIRED covering tech and politics, teams up with Leah Feiger, a savvy social media influencer. They dive into how the Democratic National Convention rolled out the red carpet for creators, emphasizing their role in rallying youth support. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional journalism to influencer-led engagement, detailing exclusive parties and the strategy behind leveraging viral moments. They also discuss the impact of social media on political narratives and the challenges influencers face in maintaining accountability.

Makena Kelly discusses the TikTok ultimatum, potential buyers, antitrust concerns, foreign ownership challenges, security risks, and data privacy concerns. The podcast delves into the legislative process, geopolitical implications, and Oracle's role in safeguarding TikTok data amidst uncertainty.

Leah Feiger, Tori Elliott, and Makena Kelly discuss the potential ban on TikTok in the US. They cover topics like the legal battle over First Amendment rights, the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future and potential buyers, the role of influencers in political campaigns, and the impact of TikTok ban on influencers. They also touch on controversial theories like alien bodies in Mexico.

The podcast delves into the political turmoil surrounding TikTok, with discussions on data security concerns, national security threats, and the potential implications of a TikTok ban. The show features insights from a senior politics writer, recommendations for office work and wellness, and playful banter among hosts.

Guest: Makena Kelly, senior writer at Wired covering politics and technology. Fake robocalls impersonating Joe Biden in New Hampshire primary raise concerns about AI-generated disinformation during the upcoming election. Discussion on the challenges of identifying real and fake information, regulating AI in politics, and the use of watermarks to monitor AI content. Exploring the impact of AI on spreading fake information and manipulating audio clips.

In this discussion, Makena Kelly, a Verge policy reporter and expert in US tech policy, highlights pressing issues ahead of the 2020 election. She dives into the evolving landscape of political advertising on social media, exploring meme strategies and the regulatory hurdles platforms face. The conversation touches on the contentious debates around encryption and privacy, stressing their implications for both tech companies and individual rights. Additionally, they examine the challenges of ensuring broadband access in rural areas, underscoring the need for cohesive tech policies.