The Tech Policy Press Podcast

Rudy Fraser, founder of Blacksky Algorithms and a fellow at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center, dives into the world of social media middleware. He shares his inspiring journey from a childhood passion for video games to creating tools for user autonomy in digital spaces. The conversation reveals the challenges of building Black Sky, a platform designed for Black users, focusing on community support and effective moderation. Fraser emphasizes the importance of decentralized approaches to counter misinformation and foster safe online communities.

Lara Putnam, a professor specializing in social media's impact on child exploitation, joins Pablo Medina Uribe, a seasoned journalist focused on disinformation, to delve into a shocking investigation. They discuss how predatory groups on Facebook target children for exploitation in Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina. The importance of collaborative journalism in exposing these threats is highlighted, as is the urgent need for better child protection laws and accountability from tech companies. Their findings underscore a troubling digital landscape where children are at significant risk.

Travis LeBlanc, former member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), and Greg Nojeim, Senior Counsel at the Center for Democracy & Technology, dive into the recent turmoil within the PCLOB after the dismissal of key members. They discuss the board's critical role in balancing national security and civil liberties, the lawsuit filed by terminated members, and challenges in overseeing data privacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining the board's independence and the implications for U.S.-EU data protection agreements.

Hillary Ross leads advocacy at the Global Network Initiative, focusing on tech companies and user rights. Magdalena Jozwiak researches systemic risks within the Digital Services Act (DSA), emphasizing human rights implications. Svea Windwehr champions platform regulation and AI oversight at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. They discuss the challenges and insights from the DSA's first systemic risk assessments, stressing transparency, accountability, and the crucial role of clearer guidelines to tackle misinformation and enhance user protections in the digital landscape.

Liu I-Chen, Kuan-Ju Chou, and Grace Huang are prominent advocates for digital rights in Taiwan. They discuss the urgent need for data protection legislation amid rising authoritarian threats. The trio highlights grassroots movements pushing for a digital Bill of Rights and the role of civil society in maintaining Taiwan's democratic values. They explore how cybersecurity challenges, especially from China, are shaping their fight for freedom of expression. Insights from the RightsCon summit reveal Taiwan's position as a beacon of online liberty in Asia.

The Paris AI Summit showcased a striking divide between EU and US leaders regarding AI's future. Big names like Macron and Modi emphasized innovation while considering global welfare and national interests. Challenges around the EU's strict regulations, like the AI Act and GDPR, contrasted sharply with the US's more lenient approach. Concerns about tech oligarchy and its threat to democracy were prominent, urging for urgent regulatory actions. Overall, the discussions highlighted the balancing act between innovation, regulation, and maintaining democratic values in the age of AI.

Over the last two decades, as Berlin reinvented itself as a "creative city," social media both mirrored and shaped shifting social landscapes—offering new possibilities while also reinforcing inequalities. How did digital media practices reshape urban life? And what can Berlin’s story tell us about the broader relationship between technology, culture, and the places we live? Today’s guest is Jordan H. Kraemer, the author of a new book that tries to answer these questions and more. It's called Mobile City: Emerging Media, Space, and Sociality in Contemporary Berlin, published by Cornell University Press.

In this engaging discussion, David Kaye, a law professor and expert on freedom of expression, and Yaël Eisenstat, a director at Cybersecurity for Democracy, dissect Elon Musk's growing influence in Washington. They delve into Musk's controversial role in government efficiency, raising alarms over transparency and accountability. The conversation highlights the unchecked power of tech moguls like Musk and Zuckerberg, exploring their impact on democracy and civic engagement amidst political challenges. Their insights reveal urgent societal concerns over wealth inequality and the future of public discourse.

Jathan Sadowski, a senior lecturer at Monash University and author of The Mechanic and the Luddite, joins the conversation to unravel the tight-knit relationship between technology and capitalism. He critiques traditional tech narratives and advocates for increased accountability and critical thinking. Sadowski reexamines the Luddite movement, dispelling myths around their anti-tech stance, and addresses how AI functions as a 'perpetual value machine' aiming for endless profits. He also discusses the political dynamics of Silicon Valley, highlighting its troubling alliances and the need for regulation.

Karen Hao, a prominent AI reporter and author, shares her insights on the rise of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which challenges major players like OpenAI and Google. She discusses the implications of DeepSeek's cost-effective, open-source model and how it questions U.S. firms' strategies. The conversation dives into the changing dynamics of U.S.-China AI competition, emphasizing innovative, adaptable approaches in China versus resource-heavy American methods. Hao also reflects on the balance of optimism and skepticism in the future of AI development.