6 chapters across the catalog
The debate over regulating AI deepfakes touches on the boundaries of free speech and the difficulty of enforcing state laws on a "stateless" internet. Questions are raised about whether AI-generated caricatures should be legally protected and how users can verify the source of digital information.
California Bot Legislation and Internet of Things Regulation
Three new bills in California aim to regulate the digital landscape by requiring the labeling of social media bots, funding research into cell phone addiction, and regulating the "Internet of Things." The goal is to provide transparency so users know if they are interacting with a human or a machine and to give them more control over their personal data.
Greg Walden, Congressional Legislation of the Internet
Representative Greg Walden, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, called for Congress to "legislate the rules of the internet" to end regulatory uncertainty. The hosts highlight this as a clear admission of the government's intent to exert authority over the web. They play clips of FCC commissioners testifying on their definitions of an "open internet."
The Cybersecurity Act also seeks to accelerate the deployment of "secure" versions of fundamental internet protocols, including DNS and routing. The hosts warn that this gives the government the ability to manipulate the core architecture of the internet. The bill also targets botnets, which the hosts note could have significant implications for the online advertising industry.
New Zealand File Sharing Legislation and "Techno-Savvy" Politicians
New Zealand has passed controversial file-sharing legislation following the recent earthquake. A clip of a New Zealand Member of Parliament is analyzed, where she admits to not understanding file sharing until it was explained using physical boxes. The hosts criticize the law for conflating peer-to-peer technology with illegal activity and mock the "Blackout" Twitter protest as ineffective.
HR 1955, Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act
The hosts discuss HR 1955, which they characterize as a "thought crimes" bill targeting homegrown terrorism. They express concern that the bill's language could criminalize online discussions regarding government opposition or the right to bear arms. The legislation passed the House with significant bipartisan support, though Ron Paul was among the few who voted against it.
