Future Knowledge

Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, and Ian Milligan, a history professor and author, dive into the urgent need for preserving digital content. They discuss the evolution of the internet, from open access to corporate control, and the crucial role of digital librarians in maintaining historical records. The conversation highlights Canada's potential in leading internet preservation and AI development. They also explore decentralized technologies as a means to create a more inclusive digital space, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for marginalized voices.

Cory Doctorow, a science fiction author and activist, dives into his latest work, The Internet Con, advocating for user empowerment against Big Tech's grip. He discusses the toxic cycle of 'inshittification' that erodes platform quality and freedom. Doctorow emphasizes the pressing necessity of antitrust reforms, particularly in light of Google’s reliance on acquisitions. He argues for collective action over individualism to tackle systemic challenges, including monopoly capitalism. It's a call to reshape the digital landscape for all users.

Author John Brackett (Live Dead) is joined by musician and Grateful Dead scholar David Gans to discuss how live recordings—both official and fan-made—shaped the sound, story, and enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. This episode explores what these tapes reveal about audience, authenticity, and the cultural power of the “live” experience.Grab your copy of Live Dead: https://dukeupress.edu/live-dead This conversation was recorded on 5/22/2025. Watch the full video recording at: https://archive.org/details/live-deadCheck out all of the Future Knowledge episodes at https://archive.org/details/future-knowledge

Authors Joshua Levine and Tim Hwang sit down with Lila Bailey to discuss Copyright, AI, and Great Power Competition. Together they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming copyright law—and how global powers are using IP policy as a strategic tool in the race for technological dominance.Grab your copy of Copyright, AI, and Great Power Competition: https://www.thefai.org/posts/copyright-ai-and-great-power-competitionThis conversation was recorded on 3/20/2025. Watch the full video recording at: https://archive.org/details/copyright-ai-and-great-power-competition-book-talkCheck out all of the Future Knowledge episodes at https://archive.org/details/future-knowledge

Historian Peter Baldwin joins copyright scholar Pamela Samuelson to unpack The Copyright Wars—a sweeping look at 300 years of trans-Atlantic copyright battles. From 18th-century publishing monopolies to today’s clashes between Big Tech, libraries, and the entertainment industry, this conversation reveals how history can illuminate the future of intellectual property in a digital world.Grab your copy of The Copyright Wars: https://archive.org/details/thecopyrightwars00baldThis conversation was recorded on 12/15/2022. Watch the full video recording at https://archive.org/details/author-talk-peter-baldwin-the-copyright-warsCheck out all of the Future Knowledge episodes at https://archive.org/details/future-knowledge

Launching in June 2025, Future Knowledge explores the intersection of technology, culture, and information policy with leading authors, scholars, and experts. From copyright and open access to AI and digital preservation, we discuss the big issues shaping knowledge and creativity in the digital age. This podcast is brought to you by the Internet Archive and Authors Alliance.