The Tech Policy Press Podcast

Damon Beres, a senior editor at The Atlantic and author of 'Billions of People in the Palm of Trump’s Hand,' dives deep into Trump’s inaugural tech initiatives. They discuss ambitious plans for AI, including the $500 billion Stargate project, aimed at revolutionizing the sector and creating jobs. The podcast also explores the cozy yet complicated relationship between tech giants and the Trump administration under antitrust scrutiny. Lastly, they examine Elon Musk’s rising influence and the high-stakes investments shaping the future of technology amidst environmental concerns.

This episode features two segments. First, we hear from Nikki Gladstone, director of Rightscon, the annual conference organized by Access Now on issues at the intersection of human rights and technology. And in the second, you’ll hear from Robin Berjon and Sean McDonald, two of the folks behind Free Our Feeds, a new effort to raise a public interest foundation that will work to support making Bluesky’s underlying tech (the AT Protocol) resistant to billionaire capture.

Kate Klonick, an associate professor of law at St. John's University, dives into the Supreme Court's recent ruling upholding a ban on TikTok, analyzing its implications for freedom of expression. She discusses the political moves surrounding the decision and the potential for TikTok facing a shutdown. Klonick also explores the relationship between tech companies like Meta and political influence, plus the challenges of governance in the digital age. The conversation sheds light on how these factors may reshape the landscape of online content and user rights.

Last fall, Cornell University PhD candidate Cristiana Firullo gave a presentation at the Trust and Safety Research Conference at Stanford University during a session on understanding algorithms and online environments. Titled "The Cursed Equilibrium of Algorithmic Traumatization," the talk focused on the work Firullo is doing with her colleagues at Cornell to try to understand why social media recommendation systems may produce harmful effects on users. Audio reporter Rebecca Rand spoke to Firullo about their hypotheses.

Keir Lamont, senior director at the Future of Privacy Forum, Caitriona Fitzgerald from EPIC, and Scott Babwah Brennen of NYU delve into the shifting tech policy landscape as states gear up for 2025. They discuss a surge in state-level tech regulations, notably over 100 new laws on AI. The experts analyze privacy advancements, contrasting states like Maryland and California. They also explore evolving youth online safety legislation and the increasing bipartisan momentum for smartphone bans in classrooms, highlighting a unique intersection of politics and technology.

Dr. Ruha Benjamin, a Princeton University professor and MacArthur Fellow, discusses the power of collective imagination in shaping our future. She critiques traditional narratives of innovation, advocating for equity and community-driven solutions. They explore the concept of 'smart borders' and how technology intersects with control and activism. Benjamin emphasizes the significance of ancestral wisdom in community rebuilding while balancing critique and hope for a better future in her upcoming book, 'Us-topia'. Humor and creativity also play a role in reflecting on identity.

David Dinielli, an attorney and visiting lecturer at Yale focusing on tech accountability, Cristina Caffarra, a competition economist and UCL professor, and Kate Brennan, associate director at the AI Now Institute, delve into Google's antitrust case. They discuss the implications of the court’s ruling on monopolistic practices, the significance of proposed remedies by the Department of Justice, and the intricate relationship between generative AI and search market dominance. They explore the challenges of fostering real competition in the tech landscape.

Petra Molnar is a lawyer and anthropologist, known for her work on migration and technology, including her book 'The Walls Have Eyes.' She discusses the troubling intersection of mass migration and technological surveillance, highlighting how AI is reshaping border policies. Molnar shares her experiences as a refugee worker, illustrating bureaucratic barriers faced by migrants. She also emphasizes the importance of compassion amidst systemic dehumanization, advocating for tech workers to shape ethical technology development in migration contexts.

Kate Starbird, a professor at the University of Washington and co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public, discusses the intricate world of online election discourse. She examines how misinformation is shaped by political ecosystems, emphasizing the contrasting strategies of the left and right. Kate highlights the shift from traditional manipulation to citizen-driven narratives and the emotional dynamics in social media. She calls for innovative platforms that promote shared values to combat misinformation effectively, fostering resilience in the information landscape.

Robert Gorwa, a researcher at the Berlin Social Science Center and author of "The Politics of Platform Regulation," explores the complexities of online content moderation. He dives into the varied regulatory approaches by governments, highlighting case studies like Germany's Network Enforcement Act and responses post-Christchurch tragedy. Gorwa sheds light on civil society's role, the influence of politics on regulatory strategies, and the future challenges in platform governance as fairness and fragmentation loom large.