The Tech Policy Press Podcast

In this discussion, Erin Kissane, a writer and researcher focused on internet communities, unveils insights from her recent report on Fediverse governance. She explores the shift towards decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, examining the complex dynamics and collaborations among server operators. The conversation highlights the critical role of content moderation, the variety of governance models, and the need for better resources to support moderators. Kissane emphasizes the importance of cultural considerations and user experiences in shaping this evolving digital landscape.

Mary Anne Franks, a law professor at George Washington Law School and author of "Fearless Speech," dives into the complexities of free speech in modern America. She critiques the First Amendment's protective scope, arguing it often shields harmful ideologies under the guise of free expression. Franks discusses the influence of technology on speech, the legal clash of stalking laws versus First Amendment rights, and advocates for 'fearless speech' to empower vulnerable groups. Her insights challenge traditional notions and urge a reevaluation of speech freedoms.

Allie Funk and Kian Vesteinsson from Freedom House share their insights on the troubling decline of internet freedom for 14 consecutive years, emphasizing the adverse effects on democracy. They discuss the stark contrast between oppressive regimes and more democratic nations regarding internet controls during elections. The guests highlight the role of generative AI in political campaigns, its potential harms, and regulatory challenges. They also address global variations in internet freedom, including harsh crackdowns in Kyrgyzstan versus protections in Chile.

Brandi Gerkink, the Director of the Coalition for Independent Tech Research, discusses the profound impact of CrowdTangle's shutdown on journalists and researchers. She highlights the emotional toll of losing a key tool for social media insights. The conversation reveals frustrations over accessing data from social media companies, stifling research and journalistic efforts. Gerkink also addresses algorithmic transparency, exploring how recent regulations may offer a glimmer of hope. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the pressing need for collective action to advocate for data accessibility.

Barry Lynn, executive director of the Open Markets Institute and author of a thought-provoking Harper's essay, dives into the complexities of antitrust in our digital age. He discusses the historical parallels between monarchies and modern tech monopolies, shedding light on the importance of protecting democracy. Lynn critiques past neoliberal policies and emphasizes the Biden administration's shift towards equitable competition. Engagingly, he explores the latest developments in the Google antitrust case and anticipates the future of antitrust in the face of the 2024 presidential election.

Sam Jeffers, cofounder of Who Targets Me, discusses the pressing need for transparency in online political advertising. He highlights the projected $3.5 billion surge in digital ad spending for the upcoming U.S. elections and the tools designed to track campaign strategies. The conversation delves into systemic risks posed by online ads, the contrasting approaches of the Trump campaign and Democrats, and the ethical challenges of targeted messaging, especially among Latino audiences. Jeffers advocates for improved regulations to safeguard democracy in the digital age.

Gabby Miller, a staff writer at Tech Policy Press, leads a discussion with Jason Pielemeier, executive director of the Global Network Initiative; David Sullivan, executive director of the Digital Trust & Safety Partnership; and Chantal Joris, senior legal officer at Article 19. They dive into Europe's Digital Services Act, focusing on systemic risk related to illegal content. Insightful debates unfold about compliance best practices, transparency challenges, and the need for effective risk assessments that protect fundamental rights in the digital landscape.

Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal technology reporter, teams up with Raúl Torrez, New Mexico's Attorney General, to delve into a pressing legal challenge against Snap Inc. They discuss allegations that Snapchat's features may facilitate child exploitation and the company's lackluster safety measures. The conversation highlights the critical legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding sextortion among minors, and reveals innovative initiatives like Operation Metaphile aimed at enhancing online safety. Together, they call for stronger accountability from tech companies.

Arvind Narayanan, a Princeton computer science professor, and Sayash Kapoor, a PhD candidate, dive into the misconceptions surrounding AI in their discussion on their book. They explore the origins of 'snake oil' in AI claims, stressing the importance of human oversight in content moderation challenges. The duo also tackles the misinformation crisis, emphasizing that a loss of trust in media is at its core. Their insights encourage optimism and highlight corporate responsibilities to address the societal impacts of AI technology.

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) recently assessed social media platforms’ policies, public commitments, and product interventions related to election integrity across six major issue areas: platform integrity, violent extremism and hate speech, internal and external resourcing, transparency, political advertising and state-affiliated media. Justin Hendrix spoke to two of the report's authors: ISD's Director of Technology & Society, Isabelle Frances-Wright, and its Senior US digital Policy Manager, Ellen Jacobs. ISD's assessment included Snap, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X.