In this episode, Jan Jekielek interviews investigative journalist Matt Taibbi, who was involved in the investigation of the Twitter Files. The Twitter Files exposed the collaboration between social media companies, non-profit organizations, and the government to censor Americans on a large scale. Taibbi emphasizes the dangers of the new technology of speech in America, where some people can be dialed up to be visible to everyone while others are dialed down to be nearly invisible. The secrecy surrounding this process and its unknown mechanisms make it even more concerning.
Furthermore, Taibbi suggests that alongside the censorship program, social media platforms are also engaging in tactics such as shadow banning and denylisting. These tactics aim to simplify controversies and limit people’s intellectual perspectives, thereby reducing their curiosity, willingness to stand up for themselves, and ability to think critically. The discussion with Taibbi covers various topics, including the current state of journalism, government information operations, internet culture, addiction, and the significance of free speech and inquiry.
Taibbi points out that agencies formerly focused on counterproliferation and counterterrorism are now redirecting their techniques internally towards their own populations. Their goal is to shape a different political consensus among the people, steering them away from certain beliefs and movements. It is no longer just about dissuading individuals from joining terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda; it now extends to discouraging support for political figures like Donald Trump or participation in movements such as the Canadian trucker protests or the Yellow Vest movement. Ultimately, the aim is to establish a safe space and maintain a uniform consensus, irrespective of political affiliations.