7 chapters across the catalog
FCC Net Neutrality Vote, Broadband Reclassification
The FCC has voted to restore net neutrality rules, reclassifying broadband as a public utility under Title II. While proponents argue this prevents ISPs from favoring specific content, skeptics suggest the "safe and fast" internet branding is a cover for increased government regulatory power and the potential blocking of decentralized content.
A 1999 clip of David Bowie is played, where he predicts the internet will become an "alien life form" and fundamentally change the relationship between providers and audiences. One host recalls Bowie being a fan of their previous show, "Silicon Spin." They discuss how Bowie's vision of a "simpatico" relationship between creator and audience has come to fruition.
UN Hate Speech Proposals, Islamic Cooperation Opposition
The UN rapporteur's report calls for Internet Service Providers to implement takedown policies for homophobic and transphobic messages. However, the mandate faced significant opposition from the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the LGBTI agenda despite supporting other hate speech restrictions.
UN Resolutions, Radicalization and Internet Censorship
World leaders issued a joint statement citing UN Security Council Resolutions 1377 and 2178 to justify increased monitoring of the internet. The statement, supported by officials like Eric Holder, calls for a partnership with internet providers to swiftly report and remove material that incites hatred. Critics argue this framework is a move toward global internet censorship under the guise of fighting radicalization.
Congressional testimony regarding liability protection for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is reviewed. The discussion centers on whether companies should be immune from lawsuits if they disrupt legitimate traffic while acting on government orders to stop malware, such as the "wiper virus" that affected Saudi Aramco.
FBI Internet Log Retention, Child Pornography Cover, Cursive Writing
The FBI is pressuring internet service providers to retain user browsing logs for two years, citing the investigation of child pornography as the primary justification. A tangent follows regarding the removal of cursive writing from school curricula in favor of digital-friendly block lettering.
The SAFE Act (Securing Adolescents from Exploitation Online Act) passed the House 409-2, with Representative Ron Paul being one of the few dissenters. The bill mandates that providers of open Wi-Fi, including coffee shops and libraries, must report illegal images or face massive fines. Opponents claim the act is a form of "censorship theater" that places impossible technological burdens on small businesses and internet service providers.
