The Joe Rogan Experience #2237 - Mike Benz
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Dec 3, 2024 
Mike Benz, a former U.S. State Department official and now Executive Director of the Foundation For Freedom Online, dives into the complexities of digital censorship. He discusses the government's evolving role in online speech, scrutinizing the intertwining of censorship and democracy since the 2016 election. Benz also highlights foreign influence on democratic institutions, particularly in Ukraine, and critiques the censorship industry’s impact on political discourse. The conversation raises vital questions about the balance between free speech and disinformation in today's political landscape.
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Global Engagement Center's Shift
- The Global Engagement Center, initially created to fight ISIS, became a tool for censorship.
- This center used natural language processing to identify and target suspected ISIS supporters.
2016 Election Turning Point
- The 2016 election was a turning point where the establishment realized free online communication threatened their control.
- It undermined their propaganda and ability to influence presidential elections.
Redefining Democracy
- The establishment redefined democracy as the consensus of institutions, not individuals.
- This justified censorship by claiming it protects democracy from the wrong election outcomes.