Incentives drive harmful algorithms

Two major legal rulings against social media giants in the US are being heralded as the “Big Tobacco” moment for Big Tech. 

But will the courts actually be able to protect users from harm on these platforms? 

Here in Canada, attempts to regulate big tech companies have largely failed, but Carney’s government has signalled a renewed focus on addressing online harms. Will the government commit to meaningful legislation? Should we follow Australia’s example and ban social media for youth? 

Host: Jesse Brown 

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Douglas Soltys

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Further reading: 

• New Mexico seeking changes to Meta's platform after jury finds company liable - CNBC
• Jury in Los Angeles finds Meta and YouTube liable in landmark social media addiction trial | CBC News
• ‘The era of invincibility is over’: the week big tech was brought to heel | Social media | The Guardian
• Why the Meta Verdicts Are a Big Deal (And What It Was Like to Testify) - Center For Humane Technology [Podcast] 
• #172 Why Governments Want to Ban Kids From AI and Social Media - CANADALAND Politics [Podcast] 
• U.S. court cases create the opportunity for a new kind of conversation about social media use | CBC News
• Australia’s teen social media ban is a flop. But there’s no joy in ‘I told you so’ | Samantha Floreani | The Guardian 
• Social media giants are not complying with under-16s social media ban, new report finds - The Conversation
• An AI Upheaval Is Coming for Media. This Journalist Is Already All In. - WSJ
• Meet the Tech Reporters Using AI to Help Write and Edit Their Stories | WIRED 
• Canada's Polite Pogram - The Atlantic 
• Hanes: Vanier's cancellation of Holocaust commemoration 'cowardly,' survivor says - Montreal Gazette
• Charges dropped against woman arrested after antisemitic incident at Montreal protest | CBC News 

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