A podcast about the emerging technologies that are reshaping democracy, the economy and society.
Hosted by Taylor Owen and David Skok.
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Latest Episode
Everybody Cares about Democracy and TechnologyDavid and Taylor Look at the State of Big Tech Governance
The US Judiciary antitrust hearing last month marked a turning point in the way government and society view the big tech companies. The investigation of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law, coupled with concerns about pandemic medical misinformation and the upcoming presidential election, means the tech industry is under greater scrutiny than ever before.
SEASON 2
Everybody Cares about Democracy and TechnologyDavid and Taylor Look at the State of Big Tech Governance
The US Judiciary antitrust hearing last month marked a turning point in the way government and society view the big tech companies. The investigation of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law, coupled with concerns about pandemic medical misinformation and the upcoming presidential election, means the tech industry is under greater scrutiny than ever before.
Ellen JorgensenOn Biotech’s Potential and the Complexities of Regulation
Advances in molecular biology, such as the gene-editing technology CRISPR, are enabling rapid developments in gene manipulation and a growing do-it-yourself community of biohackers. Genetic modifications can have global impacts. Who decides if research can proceed?
Damian CollinsOn Joining Forces to Regulate Big Tech
Individual nations are looking to find solutions to online harms occurring on platforms. The scope of platforms is global, and common issues emerge. Nations can share their knowledge with one another to better address the big tech industry.
Emily BellOn Journalism in the Age of Social Media
The internet presents great opportunities for journalists to share their reporting, but it has also had negative impacts on the industry. Social media platforms have siphoned ad revenue from newspapers as well as allowed fake news to be shared widely.
Matt StollerOn Taking on the Tech Goliaths
The tech giants have entrenched themselves in all aspects of the internet. It has become nearly impossible to avoid interacting with one of the big five American tech companies when going online. Do consumers have choice or is it time to break up big tech?
Maria RessaOn How Social Media Can Destabilize Democracy and Journalism
Journalism’s role in balancing power in democracy is being undermined by the spread of disinformation on social media platforms. By allowing any content to be posted online, regardless of its validity, platforms are enabling autocrats to destabilize democratic institutions.
Carly KindOn Contact-tracing Apps
A key next step toward restarting the economy following the pandemic is to track the spread of the virus. Public health authorities around the globe are looking at using mobile apps to aid in their efforts.
Joseph StiglitzOn a Post-COVID-19 Economy
Across many sectors, businesses are suspending operations to stay afloat and weather the storm. Tech firms on the other hand are seeing a rise in their market values. Tech companies were already dominating markets, and this pandemic could contribute to even greater monopolies.
Douglas RushkoffOn Reclaiming Our Humanity on the Internet
The early vision of the internet has been co-opted by capitalist interests. Rather than being a place for humans to connect, it has become another extractive industry for financial gain.
Angie Drobnic HolanOn the Importance of Fact-checking during a Pandemic
Access to credible information is key to combating a public health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid an outbreak, fact-checking websites are becoming increasingly important.
SEASON 1
Sasha HavlicekOn Mitigating the Spread of Online Extremism
Eliminating online hate speech and extremism can be like a game of cat and mouse. Extremists are constantly adapting their approaches to avoid being caught.
Mark ScottOn Europe’s New Data Strategy
Facebook’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg went to Europe, white paper in hand, outlining how his industry should be regulated. Europe flatly rejected it and announced a new European Data Strategy.
Ben ScottOn the Internet’s Evolving Role in Politics
The internet is a powerful tool to reach, engage and influence voters and has proven to be a key to victory — for good and bad. This episode looks at how the internet’s role in political campaigning has evolved into the essential tool that it is today.
Joanna J. BrysonOn Regulating the Software behind Artificial Intelligence
There’s a false narrative surrounding artificial intelligence: that it cannot be defined and therefore cannot be regulated. Regulators must remember that AI still begins with code that is written by humans.
Anand GiridharadasOn How Taxes — Not Philanthropy — Will Change the World
Tech billionaires are using their immense wealth to shape the future by lobbying in Washington — but also by using their fortunes for philanthropy. In this episode, we look at the important role that taxation plays in limiting the spread of plutocracy.
James Der DerianOn How Quantum Tech Will Change Our Lives
Quantum computing could simulate solutions to the world’s problems, from climate change to complicated medical issues.
Katherine MaherOn Tools for Combating Disinformation
The Wikimedia chief executive discusses how her organization fits into the larger media landscape, and the role that platforms should take in moderating hate speech.
David CarrollOn the Dark Side of Digital Advertising
Online advertising platforms are often presented as a superior tool for reaching new audiences. But David Carroll argues that those platforms aren’t as beneficial as large tech companies let on.
Kate KlonickOn Facebook’s Oversight Board
Kate Klonick was the lone researcher invited in to observe Facebook’s process for creating a content moderation oversight board.
Rana ForooharOn How Tech Lost Its Way
Large tech companies are in a position to impact many facets of society. Their actions, if left unchecked, could be disastrous to the global economy.