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Mike Masnick

Founder and CEO of Techdirt, covering technology policy, government overreach, and digital privacy with decades of reporting and analysis.

Top 10 podcasts with Mike Masnick

Ranked by the Snipd community
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175 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 49min

Anthropic doesn't trust the Pentagon, and neither should you

Mike Masnick, founder and CEO of Techdirt and longtime tech policy reporter, joins to unpack Anthropic's clash with the Pentagon. He explores how surveillance law evolved, how agencies stretch legal language, and why cloud and third‑party data erode privacy. The conversation digs into Anthropic's red lines, supply‑chain coercion, and the legal framing around compelled code changes.
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39 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 16min

Grok’s "Digital Undressing" Crisis and a Manifesto to Build a Better Internet

In this insightful discussion, technologist Alex Komoroske, tech policy expert Mike Masnick, and product leader Zoe Weinberg delve into the troubling surge of nonconsensual imagery on X. They explore the Resonant Computing Manifesto, advocating for technology that nourishes rather than exploits. Topics include the dangers of engagement-driven design, the importance of user agency, and the need for pro-social technology. The trio emphasizes a hopeful vision for the future, highlighting principles that empower users and foster respectful digital environments.
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27 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 54min

Trump Official Brendan Carr's War on Free Speech

Mike Masnick, founder of TechDirt and a leading voice on free speech and internet policy, joins to discuss Brendan Carr's alarming influence as an FCC chair. They dive into how Carr's intimidation tactics affect journalists and media outlets, reshaping America's free speech landscape. Masnick highlights the hypocrisy of Carr's 'free speech warrior' narrative while threatening dissent through government power. The conversation navigates the complex relationship between social media censorship, regulation, and the critical need to safeguard expression in a polarized environment.
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27 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 54min

The Streisand Effect with Mike Masnick

Mike Masnick, CEO of Techdirt and the mind behind the 'Streisand Effect,' shares fascinating insights on information control in the digital age. He discusses the irony of attempts to suppress knowledge leading to greater public interest. The conversation transitions into the evolution of blogging and the legal hurdles faced in tech. Masnick also addresses the tension between free speech and content moderation, and envisions a decentralized future with initiatives like Bluesky, emphasizing user empowerment and community over corporate profit.
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27 snips
Nov 21, 2023 • 59min

Decentralizing Innovation, with Techdirt's Mike Masnick

Techdirt's Mike Masnick discusses the history of walled gardens, the potential of decentralized social media, and the importance of open platforms for innovation. They explore platforms like Mastodon and Blue Sky, the challenges and benefits of decentralization, and the power of custom feeds. They also highlight the significance of content endorsement and the symbiotic relationship between AI and humans in navigating social media.
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23 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 49min

How Section 230 Became Political : The Secret Campaign To Seize Power Over the Internet

Mike Masnick, founder of Techdirt and host of Otherwise Objectionable, is a Section 230 and tech policy expert. He traces how a minor law became a political battleground. He debunks myths about moderation, explains why repealing 230 would empower big platforms, and outlines legislative and user-driven alternatives to curb Big Tech power.
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13 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 15min

Techdirt’s Mike Masnick on Growing Bluesky, Clueless Regulators & the Case for Optimism

Mike Masnick, a pioneering tech journalist and founder of Techdirt, dives into the future of decentralized social media and his vision from 'Protocols, Not Platforms.' He discusses Bluesky’s innovative AT Protocol, emphasizing user control and the challenges of heavy regulations like age verification. Masnick shares insights on aligning economic incentives with user freedom and reflects on how AI could enhance decentralized systems. With a mix of history and optimism, he paints a vibrant picture of a more user-empowered internet.
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8 snips
May 28, 2025 • 1h 7min

Mike Masnick

Kevin D. Williamson chats with Mike Masnick, founder and editor of Techdirt, who specializes in technology and civil liberties. They tackle the complexities of content moderation, weighing safety against freedom in diverse online spaces. Mike reflects on the internet's evolution from decentralized beginnings to its current state, emphasizing responsible technology use. They also highlight the Streisand Effect, showing how censorship attempts can backfire dramatically, and discuss using AI to boost writing productivity, showcasing its potential in creative workflows.
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6 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 9min

The Hardest Thing To Do Is Nothing

Mike Masnick, founder of TechDirt and Section 230 expert, dives deep into the complexities of online speech and platform regulation. He shares insights on the significance of Section 230, dissecting its role in balancing free speech with content moderation. Masnick humorously addresses bipartisan misconceptions about the law and explores its implications for digital rights. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolving landscape of social media politics and the challenges posed by current legislative efforts, making for a thought-provoking discussion.
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Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 10min

Pete Hegseth’s Drinking Could Cause a Rift With Teetotaler Trump

Join Jared Yates Sexton, a journalist and author discussing the political climate, and Mike Masnick, founder of Techdirt, as they dive into the chaos surrounding Trump's potential return. They highlight how personal habits like drinking influence political relationships and reflect on Biden's controversial pardons. The duo critiques Trump's FCC nominee, Brendan Carr, and examines the hypocrisy of free speech debates amidst rising misinformation. Get ready for a blend of sharp analysis and humor on today's political landscape!

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