Taylor Lorenz’s Power User

Dive into the shadowy world of data brokers and surveillance capitalism. Discover how this industry evolved from early government tracking to today's invasive digital monitoring. Learn how corporations can predict personal events before you do, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding data collection. Explore the rise of targeted advertising and its privacy implications amidst growing concerns. Uncover the consequences of aggressive data harvesting practices and the increasing power of ad tech firms. This journey reveals how our lives are intricately profiled without our consent.

Delve into the alarming growth of government surveillance in the U.S. as agencies like ICE and DHS exploit personal data for tracking. Discover how personal information—ranging from tax filings to medical records—is used to target innocent individuals. Explore the bipartisan support for invasive surveillance tactics and the ethical dilemmas they pose. Learn about the potential abuses of data collection, like wrongful deportations, and the serious implications for civil liberties if these practices go unchecked.

Jason Koebler, a writer from 404 Media, joins to dissect the disturbing rise of doxing and the surveillance-entertainment economy. They discuss a viral incident involving a cheating couple at a Coldplay concert, showcasing how social media rallying can turn into invasive scrutiny. The conversation explores the ethical dilemmas of crowdsourced surveillance and the erosion of privacy, especially impacting marginalized communities. They also examine the intersection of clickbait culture and open-source intelligence, revealing the dark implications of viral content in our digital age.

Kate Ruane, Director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology, sheds light on the alarming NO FAKES Act. She discusses how this proposed legislation, while claiming to protect identities from deepfakes, could actually lead to harmful censorship and erode privacy. The bill's implications for journalists, artists, and free expression are explored, emphasizing the need for clear laws that truly protect individuals rather than empower corporations. Ruane champions the fight for genuine free speech amidst rising tech regulations.

Caroline Kwan, a Twitch streamer known for her insights on pop culture and politics, joins Kat Tenbarge, an independent journalist focused on online culture, to dissect the implications of Sean "Diddy" Combs' recent acquittal on serious charges. They discuss how celebrity trials can affect sociopolitical narratives and the trivialization of serious accusations in meme culture. The conversation highlights the systemic misogyny that influences public perception, the backlash against the #MeToo movement, and the challenges women face in the realm of content creation.

Meredith Rose, Senior Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge, dives deep into the complex intersection of copyright law and free speech. She highlights how powerful creators are using copyright claims to silence smaller voices. The discussion covers the historical context of the DMCA and its implications, the challenges of navigating fair use in reaction videos, and the dynamics of fan communities. Rose emphasizes the need for reform to protect against spurious lawsuits that threaten expression in today’s digital landscape.

Will Sommer, a reporter at The Bulwark, dives into the fallout from the DOJ's dismissal of the Epstein conspiracy theories and how it has left MAGA influencers scrambling. He discusses the loss of faith among supporters and the political turmoil within the MAGA movement post-announcement. Sommer also examines Steve Bannon's controversial ties to Epstein and the ongoing tensions between right-wing media figures and truth. The conversation sheds light on how conspiracy theories mesh with celebrity culture, shaping beliefs and radicalization.

Silicon Valley is increasingly intertwined with anti-Muslim sentiment, as venture capitalists make inflammatory remarks. The tech industry’s pivot towards defense technologies raises ethical questions, especially with financial backing for Israeli military startups. A troubling trend emerges where profit motives fuel militarism and misinformation, blurring the lines between technology and geopolitics. The podcast highlights how this obsessive pursuit of profit is reshaping the future, as human rights take a backseat in a new era of the 'war on terror 2.0.'

In this engaging discussion, Brad Podray, also known as Scumbag Dad, shares his comedic take on the world of kindness influencers, critiquing the performative nature of their charitable acts. He delves into the ethical quandaries of filming vulnerable people without their consent and questions the authenticity of kindness in viral videos. Through anecdotes, he highlights the difference between genuine generosity and content-driven gestures, urging influencers to consider the deeper impact of their actions on marginalized communities.

Can a meme actually lead to deportation? A Norwegian tourist’s ejection over a JD Vance meme sparks a discussion on political speech at U.S. borders. The chilling reality of surveillance on travelers' social media highlights a growing threat to free expression. With increased scrutiny, activists and casual visitors alike face consequences for their opinions, signaling a complex intersection of immigration policy and digital censorship. The border is now a battleground for freedom of speech.