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Otherwise Objectionable

Latest episodes

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13 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 42min

Episode 8: Prescriptions to Save the Internet

Join Jessica Melugin, a technology and innovation director at CEI, Dave Willner, a trust and safety guru, and writer Charles C.W. Cooke as they dive into the complexities of Section 230. They debunk myths surrounding this vital law, emphasizing its role in online governance. The discussion pivots to the challenges of content moderation amid emerging AI technologies. They propose a balanced regulatory approach to foster innovation while ensuring accountability in digital communication. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of internet safety!
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Apr 23, 2025 • 31min

Episode 7: The Future of Speech Online

The rise of A.I. has ushered in a new era for the internet, right when Section 230 and its protections have never been more threatened. Today’s innovators look to the past for guidance.
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6 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 24min

Episode 6: The Rest of the World

Anupam Chander, a law professor at Georgetown, is an expert on global internet regulation. He dives into how the web's growth is shaping politics and speech worldwide. The conversation sheds light on Brazil's user-centric regulatory approach versus South Korea's balanced system. Chander discusses the complexities of online speech laws like Section 230 and the potential dangers of internet regulations, particularly concerning anonymity for vulnerable populations. The episode also highlights the influence of U.S. tech laws on international policies.
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8 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 30min

Episode 5: Blowback, and the Dust Settles

Randall Bowe, a lawyer who challenged the Communications Decency Act, dives into the turbulent history of internet regulation. He shares riveting tales of the legal battles that upheld free speech online and the implications of Section 230. Bowe also reflects on the chaotic early days of social media giants, discussing user engagement and content moderation challenges. His insights highlight how past rulings transformed the digital landscape and continue to shape interactions on platforms today.
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8 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 25min

Episode 4: The Solution

Join former Nebraska Senator James Exxon, known for his pivotal role in regulating online pornography, and Ron Wyden, a key architect of Section 230. They delve into the fierce debates of the 90s around internet regulation and child safety. Topics include the intricate balance between protecting minors and preserving free speech. Exxon shares insights on the challenges of the Communications Decency Act, while Wyden discusses the evolution of Section 230 and its impact on modern internet discourse. Their perspectives reveal a critical clash between censorship and empowerment.
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8 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 29min

Episode 3: Law and Disorder

Chris Cox, a former congressman who worked on Section 230, and lawyer Jake Szymanski, known for his role in the Stratton Oakmont case, dive deep into the internet's evolution. They discuss the landmark legal battles that shaped online speech, revealing how the early internet confronted defamation and libel issues. The duo highlights the bipartisan collaboration that led to Section 230, emphasizing its role in protecting platforms from legal repercussions while fostering responsible content moderation. Get a fresh perspective on the digital landscape!
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10 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 26min

Episode 2: The Dawn of the Internet

Travel back to the dawn of the internet as we explore the challenges faced by the first message sent over ARPANET. Discover the pivotal moments that sparked the evolution of online forums and the debates over free speech. Delve into the hacker culture at MIT and the ethos of open information that shaped early internet communities. Relive the nostalgia of the 1990s, where playful trolling contrasted sharply with today’s online dynamics. Finally, learn about the legal challenges that arose as user-generated content took center stage.
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14 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 41min

Episode 1: The Most Misunderstood Law on the Internet

Rachel Barkley, a public policy advocate and survivor of a rare spinal tumor, shares her powerful journey through medical crisis and recovery, emphasizing the internet's vital role in her support system. Jeff Kossav, a cyber law professor, unveils the intricacies of Section 230, the law that protects online platforms, while Eric Goldman highlights the contentious debates surrounding internet censorship. Together, they explore the balance between free speech and accountability in the digital age, revealing the law's impact on both personal lives and major tech companies.
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Feb 25, 2025 • 2min

Introducing Otherwise Objectionable

In 1996, two Congressmen drafted a bill that would give us the internet as we know it. Now Democrats and Republicans want it gone. Follow the true story of the most misunderstood law on the internet starting March 12.

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