Monthly Archives: August 2021

After shattering an existing media oligarchy and increasing people’s freedom of speech, social media is as transformative as print media was 500 years ago. But to ensure that technology does more good than harm, its core functions must be separated from each other.

CHICAGO – After being celebrated for playing a pivotal role in the Arab Spring, social media platforms are now blamed for any outcome mainstream media dislikes – from the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump to political polarization in general. Growing disenchantment with social media has led to increasing demands for regulation. The pressure is now strong enough that Facebook, fearing it would be shackled by the state, has sought to lead the regulatory effort on its own, making numerous advertisements to express its own support for such policies.

But what kind of regulation do we need? To answer this question, we must first appreciate the transformational nature of social media, which is arguably comparable to that of printing in 15th century Europe.

Before the printing press, books were unaffordable and their production had to be subsidized by the Catholic Church, which thus maintained the monopoly of knowledge. But once the printing press arrived, the books became affordable for the merchant class. And because most merchants were not fluent in Latin, the demand for Bibles printed in the vernacular increased.

Printing has thus changed not only the language of books, but also the style and content of debate. If the scholastic debates of the Middle Ages were fierce, they had always been educated and raised in tone. But with the printing press came the Reformation, which involved theological debates full of insults and drama. Then as now, everyone understood that a very charged intellectual struggle would produce greater sales.

The reaction of the Catholic establishment to this new era has been multifaceted, but three of its decisions deserve to be highlighted: power has been refocused in the hands of the Pope; the Index of prohibited books has been created; and the Inquisition was strengthened to protect Catholic souls from preachers from “false knowledge”. It is humbling today to see which books the Catholic Church has banned. In its Index were several of the most important works of Western culture, from Niccolò Machiavelli and René Descartes to Galileo Galilei and Immanuel Kant.

As the printing press broke a monopoly, social media encroached on a comfortable oligopoly. Before social media, everyone was free to talk, but not everyone was entitled to a megaphone. While printing texts was relatively inexpensive, distributing them was not – and distribution was even more expensive, when permitted.

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As a result, access to megaphones was limited to those expressing ideas that advertisers found acceptable. To administer this cozy oligopoly, a new class of journalists has emerged. They chose the topics to discuss, the books to read and the music to listen to. They also shortlisted presidential candidates, helped rock the elections and even advised governments. Elite journalists were the priests of the new order.

When social media broke this clan cartel, the instinctive reaction of the ruling power – as in the 16th century – was to attempt to regain control of information. The general process is the same: some topics are banned on Facebook and other platforms, and some users are disfellowshipped. And yet, we should know from history that this approach does not work. Martyrdom is the best form of publicity; being “canceled” can be a launching pad for even greater success.

To effectively regulate social media, we need to focus on separating the effects of technology, which are here to stay, from the effects of a particular business model, which regulation can change. The problem isn’t that people are allowed to post crazy stuff online; as long as they do not commit any crime, they should be free to speak out. Rather, the problem is the refraction of social media through a business model that maximizes profits by promoting the craziest and most inflammatory ideas.

This model is facilitated by the immunity of social media platforms from legal or reputational consequences. Newspapers have long been held accountable – both legally and in terms of reputation – for what they print. But thanks to Article 230 of the Communications Decency Act of the United States of 1996, social media companies have avoided legal liability for what appears on their platforms. And when they attract reviews for promoting the craziest content, they systematically blame an algorithm (even though they themselves have designed their algorithms to maximize the time users spend on a platform) .

Social media platforms play two roles: they operate networks connecting billions of users, and they decide what content those users see. Newspapers have played this kind of editorial role for centuries, but they have done so in a highly competitive environment. The same cannot be said of the social media environment today. With about 72% In the US social media market, Facebook is effectively a monopoly, with all the negative consequences that monopoly entails.

This is where regulation can help: by separating the “social” from the “media”. In many countries, the electricity grid – a natural monopoly – is separate from electricity production. Likewise, we need to separate the social media networking infrastructure from the editorial role. Network externalities make the first activity a natural monopoly, while the editorial function would benefit from competition. It is important to note that the company managing the virtual grid should not be allowed to enter the publishing industry. This would allow it to kill all competition by subsidizing one activity with the other – exactly the system we have today.

How would these two distinct layers make money? The competitive layer offers many options: Companies can advertise, sell data, or charge customers for content or the privilege of not receiving ads and not selling their data. The virtual network – like any natural monopoly – should charge a regulated price for access to the infrastructure.

These types of changes should not be made through litigation or technocratic regulation, but through legislation. In a democratic society, the main political decisions affecting the flow of information should be taken by elected representatives. No, I am not optimistic that such a law could pass any time soon in the United States. The elected officials who depend on social media for re-election are not going to bite the hand that feeds them. But make no mistake: this is the solution. Everything else is a stopgap or, worse, a way to strengthen the current monopoly.

Images of the press conference held by former President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki and his late wife Lucy Kibaki have surfaced on social media. The 2009 press conference was called so the president could deny the polygamy allegations – or, as the pages of the memes say, declare he had “no side chicks.”

ALLEGATIONS OF KIBAKI POLYGAMIA

The former president who will turn 90 in November was known to be shy of the media during his ten-year tenure as head of Kenya, which added to the strangeness of the press conference. Lucy Kibaki, who died in 2016, was however known to be quite the opposite.

“I want to make it very clear that I only have one dear wife, Lucy, who is here, and I have no other,” Kibaki told members of the media gathered, along with his wife. standing right next to him. The police chief was also present closely, according to The Guardian.

Kibaki said the reason for the press conference was to respond to media reports that he had “one or more other wives.” The first such report took place in 2004 when it was reported that Kibaki allegedly married businesswoman and politician Mary Wambui, with whom he also had a daughter, Wangui Mwai, under customary laws in the 1970s.

The now notorious press conference took place in March 2009, testifying to the persistence of the allegations. Kibaki said he decided to call the press conference because a former politician mentioned his alleged relationship with Wambui.

“I want to say quite frankly that anyone who is determined to go this route will see me in court. And we will deal with him, no other way, ”said the former president.

When the late First Lady spoke her anger was pretty obvious – when Kibaki finished saying what he had to say he gave the media a chance to ask him questions and Lucy filled the dramatic break. that floated in the air saying, “Ask now or never.”

Lucy Kibaki spotted a cameraman from Kenya Television Network in the crowd and said I almost came to your studio last night to attack you like I did The nation. You torment us. I don’t know what you get out of it.

The first lady was referring to when she staged a nightly sit-in in the offices of one of Kenya’s largest newspapers – The Daily Nation – after posting an unflattering story about him. Lucy Kibaki allegedly slapped a photojournalist in the face and even confiscated phones and laptops that night in 2005.

Another infamous slap in the face of the former first lady was said to have taken place in 2007 after a Kenyan government official mistakenly introduced her to dignitaries like “First Lady Mama Lucy Wambui”, according to The Guardian.

Lucie Kibaki, a first lady like no other, died in hospital from an undisclosed illness in London, England, in 2016.

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Updates from the Information Commissioner

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The UK will target social media companies, video streaming and gaming platforms as a broad set of new regulation to protect children’s data online goes into effect Thursday next week.

The rules proposed by the UK regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, aim to prevent businesses from tracking the whereabouts of children, personalizing content or advertising for them, and offering behavioral advice, such as automatically playing videos. .

“We have identified that currently some of the biggest risks come from social media platforms, video and music streaming sites, and video game platforms,” said Stephen Bonner, executive director of regulatory futures at the ICO. “This can include inappropriate advertising; unsolicited messages and friend requests; and privacy-eroding nudges urging kids to stay online.

Bonner added that he was concerned that the adverse consequences for children could be “physical, emotional, psychological and financial.”

The UK’s Age Appropriate Design Code, which comes into effect after a one-year grace period for companies to comply, has been touted as pioneering regulation.

Violating the code will result in the same potential penalties as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including a fine of up to 4% of global revenue for companies that do not comply.

Members of the United States Senate and Congress have called major American technology and games companies to voluntarily adopt the ICO code for American children.

Over the past two months, the biggest social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, have announced changes related to children’s privacy ahead of the code’s application.

Earlier this month, YouTube announced that it would turn off autoplay by default on videos and remove targeting and ad personalization for anyone under the age of 18. It would also activate ‘take a break’ and ‘bedtime’ reminders for the same age group, he said.

Meanwhile, Instagram last month introduced a new feature that prevents adults from sending messages to people under the age of 18 who don’t follow them, among other changes. And TikTok said it will no longer send push notifications after 9 p.m. to users aged 13-15, and after 10 p.m. to those aged 16 and 17.

“These are not proactive changes, they are a set of changes that respond to the code – this is proof that the regulations are working,” said Beeban Kidron, a member of the House of Lords who originally proposed the amendment to the law. “Otherwise, why would three global companies make similar announcements in the weeks leading up to September 2? It shows that the digital world can be designed to respond to societal concerns. “

Despite its pioneering nature, the code has been criticized by a series of companies that operate online services, who have complained that the ICO’s comprehensive approach would encompass companies that did not specifically target children, including children. retailers and newspapers.

In response, the ICO has now said it will focus its proactive regulatory and enforcement efforts on high-risk areas, “performing audits” and “overall enforcement,” according to Bonner.

“When the risk is relatively low, we wouldn’t expect to see stocks in the short term. We have been clear on where the potential damage is greatest, so these organizations can take action quickly, ”he said. He suggested that news websites and e-commerce companies generally pose a lower risk to children’s privacy.

“Prioritizing certain areas makes a lot of sense to me because that’s where the risks lie, but it leaves the rest of the digital economy in theoretical uncertainty,” said Dom Hallas, executive director of the Coalition for a Digital Economy, which represents technology. start-up. “The vast majority of businesses still don’t know what obligations they have under the code. ”

Another aspect of the new rules that is of particular concern to businesses is age verification, which they say could carry additional privacy risks and become a burden on small businesses without the resources to develop sophisticated technology.

“We have helped provide advice on realistic solutions to a number of issues raised, while also working to disseminate practical advice to our members to support efforts to achieve compliance,” said Ukie, the organization. UK gaming industry, which will be one of the ICO’s target areas for compliance.

“[However] Elements of the code rely on technological solutions, such as age verification, which are currently impractical, inefficient, or likely to be intrusive if implemented in their current form. He added that enforcement efforts should take place alongside “ongoing dialogue and education,” as the code comes into force.

The ICO told the Financial Times that they don’t expect all online businesses to immediately put an age barrier in place. Bonner said the ICO would release further guidance on age verification in the fall, for clarity. “We don’t want to build a walled garden. The aim of our work is that children can be protected in [the internet], not from him, ”he said.

Veterans and others related to the military use the hashtag #DigitalDunkirk to unite on social media and help thousands flee the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The operation takes its name from the famous civilian-assisted retreat of the British and Allied forces of France during World War II.

It offers expert assistance and advice on evacuating from Afghanistan predominantly Western allies and their families, such as interpreters or military personnel.

Jen Wilson, 35, is the Army Week Association’s operations chief in New York City, and her team alone has already coordinated the escape of 30 people from Kabul as part of the mission.

“Dunkirk, it was all the Tom, Dick and Harry with a boat… they all flooded the waters to get these guys out,” she told the PA News Agency.

“That’s exactly where it is here… we have former Navy Seals walking in with their own money… down to me as a civilian sitting in my apartment in New York City.”

“It’s all on the bridge, everyone is sending us contacts – I literally just had a contact this morning working with a guy whose brother is an Apache (helicopter) pilot on the ground.”

Ms Wilson said a “motley group of Royal Marines” stationed across the UK are always available to help with the international effort, using their sources and contacts to provide intelligence.

“One of the biggest problems is that we need constant new information on the ground because it keeps changing,” Wilson said.

“This group of Royal Marines, whatever time of day … they’re always sending me answers.”

Mike Jason, a retired U.S. military colonel and defense consultant, said he believed thousands of people had been helped by the campaign, which began in the United States.

“We have individually helped hundreds of people we know personally, but we believe these efforts are impacting thousands of people,” Jason told PA.

“I even worked with my classmates at Italian War University and now we interact with our Canadian counterparts, all in real time, through social media.”

Mr Jason’s work began on the project when he received a text from a friend – a senior Afghan army official who was in hiding in Kabul with his family.

After helping evacuate the official and his family, Mr Jason tweeted “how happy he was” in a thread which then went viral.

“The thread went viral and I was immediately connected with dozens of other veterans trying to do the same,” said Jason, who retired as a colonel in 2019.

“We have (since) organized ourselves into a working group using our military training – a CNN reporter called it Digital Dunkirk and we have embraced that spirit.”

When asked how those with no military experience can help the #DigitalDunkirk cause, Mr Jason said: ‘Speak out loud, tell everyone unequivocally that this is our moral obligation to bring out our friends and allies and welcome them into our communities with open arms.

“It’s not over with the last flight. Their new life begins when they arrive, we can all play a part.

The bizarre idea that Ebay, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, Google and Verizon will accept real business constraints that do more than a passing scratch on their business is hilarious. They have become law in themselves, effectively telling the state it should leave them alone and let them run their own patch. The EU has just realized this absurdity and has abandoned self-regulation, instead introducing a regulatory model. As always, we are years behind global best practices.

Recently forced, our government agreed to curb the excesses of the digital giants. The combined muscle power of the “old” media companies (newspapers, television and radio) was flexed and applied with enough force to force the introduction of a news media bargaining code. It tries to compensate for the digital advantage of new entrants and force them to reimburse news companies for the reproduction of their content. The Murdoch Empire foreshadowed a total assault if it wasn’t subsidized, so they got (most) what they wanted. Likewise, the threat to banks and financial institutions from application-integrated markets is forcing change in this industry, as powerful players insist that disruptors be constrained.

But well-heeled lobbyists and ex-politicians are not working for anyone to urge the government to tackle online racism, trolling or the mental health crisis among young people. Non-financial trauma does not raise eyebrows in the corridors of power.

Self-regulation of social media and the digital market is not working. Self-regulation after deregulation never works – foxes and henhouses and everything. Witness the catastrophic deregulation of elderly care, financial services, construction standards, the energy market, banking, job insecurity and deregulation and the booming economy predatory of odd jobs that resulted, all under the pretext of cutting red tape and making businesses more efficient.

We must end online anonymity. Proof of identity can easily be introduced. It would stop the biggest sleight of hand in the digital age.

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My faith in our humanity and kindness was also tested this week by our government expressing concern for the victims of the Taliban in Afghanistan while hypocritically withholding any compassion for the victims of the Taliban already here in Australia seeking asylum. Crocodile tears. That they stay

Jon Faine is a regular columnist.