The discussion delves into Brendan Carr's potential influence as the FCC's head and the risks to free speech. It contrasts political figures' claims about free expression with actions that suppress dissenting voices. The chilling effects of political pressure on media and the crucial role of Section 230 are examined. Additionally, the controversy over NewsGuard's trust rankings raises questions about media biases and censorship. The impact of these dynamics on internet regulation is critically analyzed in light of recent political shifts.

Last week, we launched the crowdfunding campaign for One Billion Users, our new card game where players compete to build the biggest and best social media network. As is tradition when we launch a new game, myself and our game design partner Randy Lubin joined Mike on an episode of the podcast to talk all about the game and why you should help us release it by backing the Kickstarter. One Billion Users on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mmasnick/one-billion-users-the-social-media-card-game/

Marshall Van Alstyne is a Boston University professor specializing in digital platforms, while Nadine Strossen, a law professor at NYU and former ACLU president, focuses on civil liberties. They discuss the pivotal role of Section 230 in balancing free speech with accountability for online content, the challenges of misinformation, and the hope for decentralized platforms to empower users. The conversation also critiques societal scapegoating of technology for crises and emphasizes the need for legal reforms to enhance user rights in the digital realm.

Ed Zitron, host of the Better Offline podcast and a prominent tech interviewer, dives into fascinating topics with Mike Masnick. They explore the origins of the 'Streisand Effect,' emphasizing how silencing can amplify attention. The conversation covers the evolution of Techdirt, shedding light on the journey from an email newsletter to a respected blog. Zitron and Masnick also discuss the emergence of Bluesky as a decentralized platform, balancing free speech with moderation, and envisioning a more user-controlled future for social media.

Eli Pariser, co-director of New Public and advocate for better digital spaces, dives into the lessons from 'slow social media.' He champions community-driven platforms like Vermont's Front Porch Forum that prioritize meaningful interactions over viral content. The conversation covers the importance of local engagement to combat disinformation, the role of local newspapers in fostering civic ties, and how careful digital design can enhance connectivity. Pariser emphasizes that with the right approach, social media can evolve into a valuable tool for communities.

Kate Conger, a New York Times reporter renowned for her tech and social media coverage, dives into the whirlwind of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter. She reveals the chaos and emotional turmoil among employees, influenced by Musk's unconventional leadership style. The discussion highlights the challenges of content moderation and communication post-acquisition. Conger also uncovers investor dynamics and shares intriguing anecdotes from the saga, all while shedding light on the implications of Musk's ties to Donald Trump.

Jay Rosen, a renowned NYU Journalism Professor, delves into the failures of fact-checking in modern journalism. He critiques the mainstream media's struggle against authoritarianism and misinformation, especially during the politically charged 2024 election. The podcast tackles the impact of bias accusations on reporting and the challenges of covering asymmetrical political narratives. Rosen also discusses the unintended consequences of independent journalism and stresses the urgent need for media evolution to safeguard democracy in an increasingly fragmented landscape.

Nathan Baschez, founder of the innovative word processor Lex, shares insights on leveraging AI as a supportive writing tool instead of a creative replacement. He discusses the journey of creating Lex and its features, like the 'Ask Lex' function, designed for collaborative writing. The conversation also covers AI writing models, including personalized experiences through tailored prompts. Baschez highlights how AI enhances the writing process by providing valuable feedback while preserving the distinct human touch in creativity.

We've had several episodes and posts lately all about NCMEC, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, looking at both the great work it does and some of the problems that plague it. One thing we've often been especially concerned about is the center's advocacy efforts, such as pushing for FOSTA and KOSA. This week, we're joined by former NCMEC board member Don McGowan, who shares his story about leaving the board over the many problems that plague it.

A few weeks ago, Mike was the moderator on a panel hosted by CCIA all about link taxes — the various problematic efforts around the world to force internet companies to pay media outlets for sending them traffic. The panel featured Public Knowledge Policy Director Lisa Macpherson, Lion Publishers Executive Director Chris Krewson, and lawyer Cathy Gellis who we regularly work with here at Techdirt. You can listen to the whole discussion here on this week's episode of the podcast.