Marshall Van Alstyne

Marshall Van Alstyne, an expert in information systems from Boston University, and Gordon Pennycook, a psychologist from Cornell University, discuss the alarming rise of misinformation online. They explore how social media amplifies falsehoods through cognitive biases and the urgent need for improved transparency in digital spaces. The two also propose innovative solutions like in-situ data rights to empower users, delve into the role of AI in combating disinformation, and examine the complex relationship between misinformation, market dynamics, and free speech.

Marshall Van Alstyne is a Boston University professor specializing in digital platforms, while Nadine Strossen, a law professor at NYU and former ACLU president, focuses on civil liberties. They discuss the pivotal role of Section 230 in balancing free speech with accountability for online content, the challenges of misinformation, and the hope for decentralized platforms to empower users. The conversation also critiques societal scapegoating of technology for crises and emphasizes the need for legal reforms to enhance user rights in the digital realm.