The Tech Policy Press Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join Marietje Schaake, author of *The Tech Coup*, Dr. Alondra Nelson, a distinguished professor and former Biden advisor, and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa as they tackle the urgent issues surrounding technology's threat to democracy. They discuss the concept of the 'tech coup' and its implications for disinformation and governance. Schaake shares her insights from a blockchain summit, highlighting the need for regulation. The conversation also covers tech policy during election season and the complex dynamics of India's tech landscape, emphasizing the need for accountability in tech governance.

In this insightful discussion, Gary Marcus, an author and advocate for responsible AI development, highlights the critical moral implications of artificial intelligence. He argues that tech companies should be held accountable for the societal harms caused by their products, such as misinformation and cybercrime. Marcus emphasizes the need for stronger governance, proposing a dedicated digital agency and policy innovations to ensure AI benefits democracy rather than jeopardizing it. His call for collective consumer action against unethical practices in AI sets the stage for a more responsible technological future.

Thierry Breton, a former French Minister of Finance and crucial player in European tech regulation, recently resigned from his role in the European Commission. His departure raises questions about the future direction of digital policy in Europe. Topics discussed include the potential shift in regulatory power and the impact on upcoming legislation like the EU AI Act. The conversation delves into Europe's quest for digital sovereignty and its strategic autonomy, as well as what Breton's resignation means for tech companies navigating this evolving landscape.

Dr. Oliver Marsh, head of tech research at Algorithm Watch, delves into the complexities of systemic risks under the Digital Services Act. He discusses the critical need for better data access and collaboration between platforms, regulators, and researchers, particularly in relation to public safety. A captivating example includes deepfake audio's impact on Slovakia's elections. Marsh also emphasizes the importance of proactive compliance and the potential for research partnerships to enhance understanding and address the challenges of digital regulation.