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TechFreedom

@techfreedom.org
1.3K followers 23 following 282 posts

Think tank. We think about technology and freedom, esp. free speech, in 🇺🇸 & 🇪🇺. Hayek put it best: "it is in the technical discussion concerning administrative law that the fate of our liberty is being decided" media@techfreedom.org TechFreedom.org

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Ari Cohn @aricohn.com · 4h
Today Senator Blackburn is expected to try ramming KOSA--the Kids Online Safety Act--through the Senate via unanimous consent. KOSA was an Internet censorship bill in its inception, and in 4 years the only thing its authors have done is try to disguise KOSA's nature rather than fix it.
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 24/09/2026
How far can the government go when a president doesn’t like what a broadcaster says? On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @aricohn.com and @berinszoka.bsky.social are joined by @thefireorg.bsky.social’s Bob Corn-Revere to unpack the escalating fight between ABC and the FCC. tinyurl.com/5xzkj37n
techfreedom.simplecast.com
440: The Fellas at the Freaking FCC | Tech Policy Podcast
How far can the government go when a president doesn’t like what a broadcaster says? Host Ari Cohn is joined by Berin Szóka (TechFreedom) and Bob Corn-Revere (FIRE) to unpack the escalating fight betw...
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Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 18/09/2026
NEW: A bipartisan coalition of former FCC officials, represented by Protect Democracy and @techfreedom.org , filed an amicus brief supporting ABC's case against the FCC. This is the first time a federal court will weigh a First Amendment claim against Brendan Carr's FCC. Read the amicus:
protectdemocracy.org
Bipartisan coalition of former top FCC officials back ABC's First Amendment lawsuit against FCC
A bipartisan coalition of former FCC officials filed an amicus brief supporting ABC’s request for emergency relief in its lawsuit challenging the FCC’s early review of broadcast licenses.
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Berin Szóka @berinszoka.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The FCC offers no response to ABC's arguments, ABC rightly tells the district court in its response to the FCC's motion to dismiss ABC's First Amendment lawsuit. Carr has weaponized the "public interest" to retaliate against speech he dislikes storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 17/09/2026
18 FCC veterans of both parties' support ABC’s First Amendment lawsuit to stop the FCC from jawboning ABC in retaliation for speech the President doesn’t like. Read the amicus brief we just filed with @protectdemocracy.org ⤵️ techfreedom.org/fcc-threaten...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 21/08/2026
What if “harmful content” just means political beliefs someone disagrees with? On the latest Tech Policy Podcast, new host @aricohn.com sits down with @taylorlorenz.bsky.social to unpack the free speech and privacy implications of laws like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). tinyurl.com/2b9yh6k9
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 18/08/2026
At last, ABC has sued the FCC over its retaliatory, unconstitutional campaign against ABC for broadcasting speech Trump dislikes—and refusing to carry Trump’s election fraud claims ABC’s First Amendment arguments couldn't be stronger. Our press release ⤵️
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Ari Cohn @aricohn.com · 05/08/2026
Today Senate Commerce marks up several Bad Internet Bills, including KOSA - which for years experts have warned violates the 1st Amendment. Instead of fixing the problems, its sponsors denied they exist & tried to disguise them with obfuscatory language My statement: techfreedom.org/kosa-still-v...
KOSA has been an Internet censorship bill from the start.
It imposes what courts have refused—on First Amendment grounds—to impose for
decades: a duty to protect listeners from subjective, unknowable reactions to
constitutionally protected speech.
It creates a "papers please" social media regime where every single social media user
will be forced to identify themselves before speaking on social media, undermining
their constitutional right to read and speak anonymously, and enabling government
retaliation against disfavored ideas and expression.
And it hands the Federal Trade Commission — which has of late granted itself the
authority to enforce what it thinks customers should want rather than protect against
actual deception — a ready-made tool to coerce platforms into removing speech it
dislikes from the Internet.
Despite years of warnings from experts and civil society across the political and
ideological spectrum, KOSA's sponsors have stubbornly refused to acknowledge and
fix these critical First Amendment problems. They have instead attempted to hide
them behind increasingly obfuscatory language. But the First Amendment is not so
easily fooled, and the Commerce Committee must put an end to this constitutional
fiasco once and for all.
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 04/08/2026
📄 The FTC cannot police political bias in AI services. Last week, @techfreedom.org filed comments explaining why the First Amendment and longstanding FTC precedent bar the Commission from policing the bias, objectivity, accuracy, or balance of AI-generated outputs. techfreedom.org/ftc-cannot-p...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 30/07/2026
The First Amendment bars the government from retaliating against disfavored speech. TechFreedom filed comments opposing efforts to deny ABC's license renewals, arguing the FCC lacks the legal & constitutional authority to force early renewals or revoke its broadcast licenses. tinyurl.com/yken9y85
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 28/07/2026
Today, @techfreedom.org's @berinszoka.bsky.social joined @protectdemocracy.org and a bipartisan coalition of former high-ranking FCC officials in urging FCC Chairman Carr to end the Commission's retaliatory early review of ABC's broadcast licenses. protectdemocracy.org/wp-content/u...
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Berin Szóka @berinszoka.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
I'm very proud to have helped organize this coalition through @techfreedom.org
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 09/07/2026
The First Amendment leaves editorial judgments to broadcasters—not regulators. @techfreedom.org was joined more than 50 First Amendment scholars and free speech organizations in filing reply comments urging the FCC to end its “equal time” crackdown on The View. techfreedom.org/50-free-spee...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 25/06/2026
Witness the peaceful transfer of power! On a new Tech Policy Podcast, outgoing host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social hands the reins to @aricohn.com. To mark the occasion, they go on one final mega-rant about the state of social media and AI regulation. techfreedom.simplecast.com/episodes/438...
techfreedom.simplecast.com
438: I Hosted 157 Episodes and All I Got Was This Stupid Digital Censorship | Tech Policy Podcast
Corbin is signing off as host. To mark the occasion, he and new host Ari Cohn go on one final super rant about the state of social-media and AI regulation. Links: Supreme Court to Hear Violent Video...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 23/06/2026
The government shouldn't decide which political interviews are "real news." Yesterday, @techfreedom.org filed comments urging the FCC to grant ABC's petition, recognize The View as a bona fide news interview program, and stop chilling political speech. techfreedom.org/fcc-should-g...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 04/06/2026
New Tech Policy Podcast! Judge Glock of Manhattan Institute joins @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social to discuss the past, present, and future of data center construction in the United States. techfreedom.simplecast.com/episodes/437...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 02/06/2026
We are excited to announce the promotion of @andyjungtech.bsky.social to our first AI Policy Counsel! Andy has played a key role in advancing our work on emerging technology policy, and this promotion reflects both his contributions and the growing importance of AI policy to our mission.
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 26/05/2026
It’s been waaaay too long since our last space episode! We fix that today, big time. On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Dr. Mekhi Dhesi of Slingshot Aerospace joins @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social to discuss orbital mechanics, rocket science, black holes, the Fermi paradox, and more. tinyurl.com/mvm24yzt
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 13/05/2026
Down the ages, new ways to communicate spark moral panics. With social media and AI, is history repeating itself? On a new podcast, @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social speaks at a @thefireorg.bsky.social Free Speech Future event with Kmele Foster, @nicoperrino.bsky.social, & @cjferguson1111.bsky.social
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 12/05/2026
As the federal approach to AI preemption shifts, what should effective AI governance look like? 🗓️Join us on Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m. ET for a panel featuring Neil Chilson (Abundance Institute), @jrhuddles.bsky.social (@cato.org), and @andyjungtech.bsky.social. us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: From Executive Orders to Legislation: The Future of Federal AI Preemption. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webina...
The federal government’s approach to AI preemption is undergoing a notable shift, with momentum moving from executive branch actions—such as President Trump’s December executive order—to congressional...
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Corbin Barthold @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
This podcast episode opens with @taylorlorenz.bsky.social saying "Give Corbin a chance." Evergreen! 😅 open.spotify.com/episode/23ep...
open.spotify.com
The Dark Side Of AI Safety Laws
Spotify video
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 28/04/2026
Since we had this convo about algorithms four years ago, the debate has evolved—but the First Amendment problems have not! New Tech Policy Podcast “From the Vault”: @daphnek.bsky.social discusses algorithmic amplification w/ @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social and @aricohn.com. tinyurl.com/yj82rvup
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Corbin Barthold @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Amazing episode. @mchangama.bsky.social makes his triumphant debut, and @jkosseff.bsky.social his glorious return. I pepper them with hard questions about the future of free speech, and they do nothing but shine. Don't miss it.
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 14/04/2026
How do we reverse the global free speech recession? On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @mchangama.bsky.social and @jkosseff.bsky.social discuss their fantastic new book, The Future of Free Speech. techfreedom.simplecast.com/episodes/434...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 07/04/2026
We’ve declared jihad on the Butlerian Jihad. On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @techfreedom.org’s @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social, @santanaboulton.bsky.social, and @andyjungtech.bsky.social discuss the future of AI and free expression. podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/433...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 25/03/2026
Cox v. Sony is out! An ISP is not liable for copyright claims if it “merely provid[es] a service to the general public with knowledge that it will be used by some to infringe copyrights.” For expert analysis, check out our episode on the oral argument with @pamelasamuelson.bsky.social.
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 24/03/2026
🗓️ Register for our in-person event on Monday, March 30 (12–2 PM). Join @techfreedom.org & Georgetown Law’s Tech Institute for a discussion on how the First Amendment limits the FTC’s powers, particularly as it ramps up investigations into media & tech over alleged bias. tinyurl.com/y8jzyz37
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 23/03/2026
📢 Let's clear the air: There’s a lot of misinformation about Section 230. The reality is that today's user-driven Internet simply wouldn't exist without it. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the law that helped create the Internet, we're debunking some common misconceptions.
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Corbin Barthold @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
1/ Are AI outputs free speech under the First Amendment? Yes. Polling on AI is ... bad. Meanwhile, I'm like Butters in South Park, unironically marveling at how awesome it is. So maybe I'm just asking for a ratio, but I wrote a big paper arguing that AI outputs deserve First Amendment protection.
TechFreedom. AI + 1A: Why the First Amendment Protects Artificial Intelligence. Corbin K. Barthold. March 2026.
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Corbin Barthold @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
2/ The case has little to do with whether you like AI, and a lot to do with how scared you should be of letting the government control what AI says. I threw a ton into this thing, and I hope my law nerds will read it all! techfreedom.org/wp-content/u...
techfreedom.org
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 23/03/2026
New Tech Policy podcast! Host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social speaks at State of the Net with @joellthayer.bsky.social (Digital Progress Institute), @ashkhen.bsky.social (@futurefreespeech.org) and Luke Hogg (FAI). They discuss how the First Amendment should work in a world of algorithms and AI.
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PEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
PEN America has joined 75+ free speech experts to call on FCC chairman Brendan Carr to stop weaponizing the agency's rules to censor media coverage the President doesn't like. (1/2)
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Andy Jung @andyjungtech.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
My statement on the National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence:
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Knight First Amendment Institute @knightcolumbia.org · 20/03/2026
Today, @knightcolumbia.org joined @techfreedom.org and other orgs to urge FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to stop pressuring news broadcasters over their coverage. Recent threats by Carr and President Trump constitute unconstitutional jawboning & threaten #pressfreedom. knightcolumbia.org/blog/knight-...
knightcolumbia.org
Knight Institute Joins Coalition Urging the FCC to Halt Unlawful Threats to Press Freedom
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Kate Ruane @kateruane.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
FCC Chair Brendan Carr keeps violating the First Amendment. Today, @cdt.org joined @techfreedom.org, civil society orgs, First Amendment experts, and former FCC Commissioners in a letter to Chair Carr expressing our concerns with the weaponization of the FCC to censor speech.
cdt.org
FCC Chair Brendan Carr Must Stop Violating the First Amendment
Today, CDT signed a letter to FCC Chair Brendan Carr asking him to stop using his authority as the head of the Federal Communications Commission to unconstitutionally threaten broadcasters with punish...
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Matt Wood @mattfieldwood.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Here's @freepress.bsky.social statement on this important rebuke of Brendan Carr's attacks on free speech and freedom of the press, w/ @techfreedom.org, @publicknowledge.bsky.social, @eff.org, @penamerica.bsky.social, @knightcolumbia.org, @aclu.org & dozens more. www.freepress.net/news/leading...
freepress.net
Leading First Amendment Scholars and Litigators Call on FCC to End Unlawful ‘Jawboning’ and Censorship Campaign
Chairman Carr mistakenly believes he has power to shake down media companies, censor broadcasters and punish newsrooms that won’t twist their coverage to placate an erratic and image-obsessed Trump.
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Craig Aaron @notaaroncraig.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Attn: Members of Congress who allegedly care about "jawboning" and government censorship. I've argued with @techfreedom.org for years about policy. But we're on the same side here because we believe in free speech, press freedom and the government staying out of newsrooms and editorial decisions.
freepress.net
Leading First Amendment Scholars and Litigators Call on FCC to End Unlawful ‘Jawboning’ and Censorship Campaign
Chairman Carr mistakenly believes he has power to shake down media companies, censor broadcasters and punish newsrooms that won’t twist their coverage to placate an erratic and image-obsessed Trump.
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Morgan Wilsmann @mwils.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Chair Carr has offered to help broadcast media get their facts straight. "Facts" means only positive coverage of the President. "Help" means the threat of federal license review. He knows the First Amendment limits what the FCC can actually do here. Doesn't matter, bc the threats are working.
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 20/03/2026
FCC Chair Brendan Carr is weaponizing the “public interest” standard against viewpoints he dislikes. Such jawboning violates the First Amendment, due process, and the rule of law. 75+ civil society groups & free speech experts joined us in this coalition letter 🧵 techfreedom.org/fcc-threats-...
techfreedom.org
FCC Threats Against Broadcasters Violate the First Amendment
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 12/03/2026
"Today's decision illustrates that such bills will likely fail First Amendment scrutiny unless they offer much clearer guidance on how to avoid liability." @berinszoka.bsky.social of @techfreedom.org responds to the Ninth Circuit ruling that California's Online Speech Code is unconstitutional.
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Corbin Barthold @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
When you gaze at the night sky, do you wistfully ask why there isn't an entire podcast episode taking down Justice Barrett's weird and annoyingly influential concurrence in Moody v. NetChoice? Your wait is over.
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 09/03/2026
Algorithms don’t just fall from the sky. On a new Tech Policy Podcast, host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social deconstructs Justice Barrett’s surprisingly influential concurrence in Moody v. NetChoice. Or: Why the First Amendment protects algorithms—and AI. podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/431...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 06/03/2026
"A good newspaper keeps you coming back—that doesn't mean you're addicted to it." On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Clay Calvert (AEI) reviews the many problems with letting plaintiffs' lawyers demagogue social media platforms before a jury. podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/430...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 26/02/2026
A Los Angeles jury will opine if Instagram and YouTube are responsible for teens’ mental health. On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Clay Calvert (AEI) and @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social review the many problems with letting plaintiffs’ lawyers demagogue social media platforms before a jury.
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 11/02/2026
What does meaningful work look like in a world of genius machines? On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Brent Orrell (AEI) and @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social explore and debate how AI will disrupt the job market. podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/429...
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 10/02/2026
"What does America First antitrust action mean in practice?" Probably just rewarding friends and punishing enemies. For more on why "America First antitrust" is neither pro-America nor proper antitrust, check out our latest episode of the Tech Policy Podcast: tinyurl.com/mz6sa83k
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TechFreedom @techfreedom.org · 28/01/2026
Relax, they just want the discretion to reward friends and punish enemies. On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Thom Lambert (Mizzou Law) and @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social discuss the Trump II administration’s new right antitrust regulators. podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/428...
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Corbin Barthold @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
You should maybe look at this piece bc it has my thoughts on a hypocritical (possibly theocratic?) FTC commissioner named Mark Meader. But you should definitely look at it bc I convinced @mmasnick.bsky.social to put a picture (!) on top of a Techdirt article. www.techdirt.com/2026/01/20/c...
techdirt.com
Can You Trust Mark Meador?
The FTC remains politicized. One commissioner is leading the way—when it suits him. The Federal Trade Commission under Lina Khan was not a well-run institution. I wrote about this at the time, ofte…
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P. Andrew Torrez @andrewtorrez.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
This is a must-read from friend of the show @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social about the state of the FTC (not great, Bob!) and the hypocritical balls-and-strikes, finger-wagging rhetoric coming from one of its most politicized actors. Go check it out! corbinkbarthold.substack.com/p/can-you-tr...
corbinkbarthold.substack.com
Can You Trust Mark Meador?
The FTC remains politicized. One commissioner is leading the way—when it suits him.
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Corbin Barthold @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
🚨 SO MUCH STATE TECH POLICY 🚨
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