#132 Mike Benz - Inside the Censorship Industrial Complex

At a Glance

• Stalemate with Russia - ’to U.S. interests. And so I think they have felt that simply playing defense and grinding down Russia’s economy has not worked’ This quote highlights the perceived ineffectiveness of current U.S. strategies against Russia, suggesting a pivotal shift in tactics.

• Maintain Optimism - ‘I would just encourage people to be optimistic in this in a lot of ways, because as much as it feels like we’re up against the weight of the world’ This quote underscores a call for optimism despite overwhelming global challenges, reflecting a motivational tone in the discussion.

• Thanks to X - ‘because of Elon Musk and X’ This highlights the impact of influential figures and platforms in enhancing freedom, pointing to specific contributions in the media landscape.

• Maturity is Coming to Terms - ‘You will have your denial and your anger and your bargaining and then your depression and then you will finally get to the point of acceptance’ This sequence outlines the emotional journey many may undergo when faced with challenging truths, adding a psychological depth to the discussion.

• Something Needs to Happen - ‘And I watched that process, and they were doing that in 2017, talking about how they might not be able to, and we really need to make this urgent’ Reason for Significance: This quote reflects on the urgency and challenges faced by those trying to combat censorship years ago, providing insight into ongoing struggles within media and governance.

What to Do

• ‘Be optimistic’ - Despite the challenges and dark forces, there is a level of freedom and platforms striving for real change, which can provide hope and avenues for action.

• ‘Go through the stages of grief’ - Understanding and processing complex and frustrating information involves emotional stages; recognizing this can help manage feelings effectively.

• ‘See this as our inheritance’ - Recognizing that current challenges are part of a larger historical context can provide perspective and perhaps a less adversarial approach to solutions.

• ‘Follow work that matters’ - Engaging with and supporting efforts that align with one’s values, like freedom and transparency, can be empowering and impactful.

What to Get

• VPN (Virtual Private Network) - Used by people in Brazil to access banned apps and information despite fines, indicating a method for circumventing internet censorship.

• AI censorship software - Mentioned in the context of being developed and used by various academic departments (like applied physics and computer science) to support disinformation studies and censorship activities.

• NewsGuard - A tool used for rating the integrity of news sites, influencing advertiser support based on these ratings, and effectively participating in censorship.

• Solar generators, biomass stoves, water filters, heirloom seeds - Discussed as crucial survival tools in emergency preparedness, showcasing human reliance on tools for survival in crisis scenarios.

• Disinformation compliance component - Part of EU’s Digital Services Act, outlining requirements for platforms to manage misinformation, showing legal and systemic efforts in information control.

Summary

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, the guest, Mike, delves into complex topics surrounding censorship, the influence of big tech companies, and the interplay between government funding and media control. The conversation begins with a critique of how the U.S. and other governments have increasingly engaged in what Mike terms “censorship industry” practices, fueled by substantial financial investments from various government agencies including the Pentagon, the State Department, and the CIA. He describes this phenomenon as a burgeoning “censorship industrial complex” akin to the military-industrial complex, suggesting that it has developed into a self-sustaining industry that seeks to expand its influence and control over public discourse.

Mike emphasizes the evolution of content moderation, noting that what was once a field concerned primarily with removing spam and explicit content has morphed into a lucrative career path where individuals can earn high salaries for regulating online speech. This shift, he argues, is a response to perceived threats to the “liberal rules-based international order” posed by populist movements and non-conforming political opinions, particularly those amplified by the widespread reach of social media platforms.

The discussion also touches on legislative responses to these issues, such as the EU’s Digital Services Act, which Mike criticizes for potentially coercing major tech platforms into compliance with stringent censorship standards under threat of severe financial penalties. He suggests that such regulations could bankrupt companies that fail to align with the prescribed norms of information control dictated by governmental and supranational entities.

Throughout the episode, Mike advocates for a more transparent and accountable oversight mechanism to counteract what he views as overreach by both government and big tech. He calls for a revival of a robust public and legal discourse on censorship and freedom of speech, akin to the debates that followed the Church Committee hearings in the 1970s which addressed abuses by U.S. intelligence agencies.

In his closing remarks, Mike encourages listeners to remain optimistic and engaged, educating themselves about these complex issues and advocating for a media and online environment that respects diverse viewpoints and upholds the fundamental principles of free speech. He underscores the importance of understanding the historical context of these debates, suggesting that while the platforms and technologies may have changed, the underlying struggles over control of information and public opinion remain the same.