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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer

@michaelrnelson.bsky.social
984 followers 808 following 1.5K posts

Scholar, Carnegie Endowment; Former Tech Strategy, Georgetown, Cloudflare, U.S. Senate, Clinton/Gore White House, FCC, IBM, BGOV, Microsoft. Accelerating the future of the Net and the Cloud

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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 14h
The scariest article you will read in the latest issue of @TheEconomist, which is FULL of scary news. #ArtificialIntelligence and the Israeli election. www.economist.com/middle-east-... (Paywall)
economist.com
Artificial intelligence is coming for Israel’s voters
Governments and voters elsewhere should be watching
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 14h
FEAR! (Real fear of crime in Brazil; Fear of immigrants and trans kids in the U.S.)
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John Gordon (Faughnan) 🇨🇦🇩🇰 @johngordon.bsky.social · 16h
To elect Trump once was proof America’s dysfunctions were severe. To elect Trump twice was proof America was near death. Even if Trump goes we will remain on the edge. It would be good to understand why we fell
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Jen Rubin @jenrubin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Until they find, I duuno, 1000 real voters (not DC insiders, pollsters, lobbyist, media types) who want Rahm Emanuel to run for president how about no stories or interviews? The legacy media look like morons slobering over him.
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 15h
How is it not news when the president nods off in public meetings and press conferences dozens of times? If you follow independent media, you see it and know about it. But why hasn’t CBS, NBC or ABC showed a montage of it on their evening news? They simply refuse to ever show it.
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Congratulations to Bishop Budde for serving Washington, our nation, the Church, God, and the cause of justice so well and so passionately for more than 15 years. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Episcopal bishop who urged Trump to ‘have mercy’ to resign post in Washington DC
Mariann Budde gained national attention for calling on US president to consider immigrants and LGBTQ+ people
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 03/10/2026
The expansion of Heathrow would be an expensive disaster for Britain and the world. Burnham needs to block it | George Monbiot
theguardian.com
The expansion of Heathrow would be an expensive disaster for Britain and the world. Burnham needs to block it | George Monbiot
A third runway would fly in the face of reason. If we are to prioritise human life over short-term ‘growth’, we need to use planes less, not more, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Eric Lipton NYT @ericlipton.nytimes.com · 03/10/2026
JUST POSTED: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have pushed a multibillion oil deal with Russia as part of peace talks that will bring profits to their family business partners. A new front for Trump-era conflicts of interest. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/u...
nytimes.com
U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Now Involve an Oil Deal Tied to Trump Allies (Gift Article)
President Vladimir V. Putin brought up a sale of Russian energy assets with President Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, pushing a deal that raises new questions about conflicts of inter...
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Jennifer Shin - WTAF @jennifershin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Fucking facts, right here 👇
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We WERE warned!!! Some words are more revealing and powerful than others! www.snopes.com/fact-check/d...
snopes.com
FACT CHECK: The Definition of 'Trumpery'
Spoiler alert: The dictionary definition of the word 'trumpery' employs such expressions as 'deceit,' 'fraud,' and 'showy but worthless.'
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Zach Everson @zacheverson.com · 01/10/2026
Here's a list of 64 previous botched executions in the United States. Christa Pike will make 65.
deathpenaltyinfo.org
Botched Executions | Death Penalty Information Center
The Death Penalty Information Center (DPI) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the media, policymakers, and the general public…
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gamera obscura october edition @ohrobin.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Between 1890-2010, 276 of 8,776 executions were botched (3.15%). For lethal injection specifically, 75 of 1,054. Those are just the ones we have verifiable records for. In 2022 alone, the Death Penalty Information Center identified seven of 20 execution attempts (35%) as “visibly problematic.”
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
BARBARIC!! www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Tennessee woman ‘snoring’ and still alive as execution halted, witnesses say
Christa Pike, sentenced to death over 1995 murder, was heard snoring 40 minutes after lethal doses administered, witnesses said
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
What resistance looks like. What ciurage looks like!! jojofromjerz.substack.com/p/be-best-be...
jojofromjerz.substack.com
Be Best. Be Quiet. Or Be Bankrupted.
Melania Trump is selling a story about lifting women up. I’m the mother of two she tried to frighten into submission.
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/2105296624972935514 Learning lessons from Poland, Hungary, and Orban's zebras at the @carnegieendowment.org and on @cnn.com NOW!! #Corruption #PreservingDemocracy
x.com
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) on X
WATCH: I’m speaking today at 10:30 AM from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. I’ll be talking about the state of our democracy, what I learned from recent visits to Hungary and Poland, and what I believe we need to do to protect our country and build a stronger future. https://t.co/js…
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Anonymous @youranoncentral.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
I am Anon and Russia is my enemy.
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Radio Free America @radiofreeameri.ca · 30/09/2026
Inside Downballot Dems’ Effort to Flip Texas’ Key County Battleground.
texasobserver.org
Inside Downballot Dems' Effort to Flip Texas' Key County Battleground
Amid voter suppression and rampant ideological warfare, Tarrant County Democratic candidates try to capitalize on this surge of local anger.
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Sen. Slotkin is showing us how to take on @realdonaldtrump.govmirrors.com & his crooked MAGA cronies. "Trump is captain of the Titanic and is charging passengers to get in the lifeboats." "He thinks America is broken, and he's grabbing his." #Corruption #DictatorsPlaybook @carnegieendowment.org
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Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
When the “censorship industrial complex” myth was just getting started, in Fall 2022, I got a public records request from the AG’s office of Missouri looking for all my emails related to my team’s election rumor research. The Missouri AG at that time? Eric Schmitt. What a tool.
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The New Republic @newrepublic.com · 30/09/2026
Ken Paxton’s comments are obviously a humiliating gaffe for Trump, who backed the attorney general against Senator John Cornyn in a shocking political maneuver. trib.al/19ZS4al
trib.al
Ken Paxton Caught Privately Trashing Trump in Leaked Audio
The attorney general and Senate candidate warned Trump is dragging down all Republicans with him.
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Sahil Kapur @sahilkapur.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Klobuchar: “For a US senator to have false information and imply, based on a confusion about the name of a team … and imply that you were in another city, that you were somehow involved that day in what was happening in Georgia, and then call you a dirtbag, is something that deserves an apology.”
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Sahil Kapur @sahilkapur.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A phenomenal moment in the Senate. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., claims he has evidence Jack Smith went to a HAWKS game in Atlanta. Smith denies it. Schmitt declares he has busted Jack Smith for perjury. Smith, vexed, says he went to HAWKEYES game in Maryland. WATCH IN FULL, UNINTERRUPTED
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Dave Nelson 🇨🇦 @davenlsn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Research shows one in eight cancers worldwide are actually caused by infections. Another reason to be vaccinated #CanadaSky  www.cbc.ca/news/health/...
cbc.ca
Researchers are discovering more infections that can cause cancer | CBC News
New global research suggests 12 per cent of cancers were caused by infections, predominantly caused by HPV and H. pylori
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Do NOT miss this (in-person or via Zoom; live or later)!!! @carnegieendowment.org @slotkin.senate.gov @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu carnegieendowment.org/events/2026/...
carnegieendowment.org
A Conversation on Defending Democracy With Senator Elissa Slotkin and Anne Applebaum
Please join the Carnegie Endowment’s Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program for a conversation with Senator Elissa Slotkin and Anne Applebaum, examining the lessons learned from global pro-democr...
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Bill Kristol @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tom Joscelyn: "There are some weeks in our history that matter more than others. This is the week the president of the U.S. went in front of the U.N. and said that any concerns about AI are a hoax. It's scary. Maybe others can step up." youtu.be/gtZv6V35DQE?...
youtu.be
Trump Is Gambling With America’s AI Future w/Bill Kristol and Tom Joscleyn
YouTube video by Home of the Brave
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Dustin Volz @dustinvolz.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
New: OpenAI ignored warnings from its own employees and independent security researchers who said they needed better safety measures at the company. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/t...
nytimes.com
OpenAI Ignored Employees’ Warnings About Safely Testing A.I. Models (Gift Article)
Employees and security researchers said that they had cautioned the company on safely testing its A.I. models and strengthening its corporate infrastructure, but that OpenAI did not listen.
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Castanet.net @castanet.net · 28/09/2026
Serbia's populist President Vucic resigns to run for prime minister at early vote (Serbia)
castanet.net
Serbia's populist President Vucic resigns to run for prime minister at early vote - World News
Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic resigned Sunday to pursue a bid to become prime minister in an upcoming early parliamentary election that will test his firm rule in the Balkan country, which was rattled by nearly two years of protests.
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A very important overview of the battle between the tech billionaires and democracy: www.theguardian.com/technology/n... #RequiredReading
theguardian.com
Democracy blindsides Silicon Valley’s power players looking to transform the world with AI
‘The push against datacenters speaks to the frustration of people who don’t feel they are making the choices in their lives’
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This is BEAUTIFUL!! #BaseballHasHeart! www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
usatoday.com
Justin Verlander's final MLB start: Highlights, stats, reaction from farewell outing
See how Justin Verlander fared in the final start of his Hall of Fame career, including stats, highlights and reaction from Tigers vs. Pirates.
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Tigers Claw 🐅🐾 虎の爪 @tigersclaw1.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Then: Woodward and Bernstein Now:
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
And in an ideal world, the U.S. Constitution would not preclude more than 97% of the world's population from being President of the U.S., and Stubb would be a leading candidate to be elected President in 2028 (or at least be confirmed as Secretary of State in 2029). m.youtube.com/watch?v=kfAR...
m.youtube.com
Secretary Rubio delivers remarks to the press
YouTube video by U.S. Department of State
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
WOW!! This gives me hope. Stubb of Finland is one of my favorite world leaders. In a sane and logical world, concerns about geographic and gender balance would not preclude 2/3 of the viable candidates, and Stubb would be a leading candidate to become the next UN S-G. m.youtube.com/watch?v=QJas...
m.youtube.com
Finland’s President Delivers Must-Watch UN Lecture to Understand Today’s World Disorder | AC1G
YouTube video by DRM News
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Make Congress Great Again!!!
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Elke Schwarz @elkeschwarz.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
"We must not grow indifferent to wars and human suffering, but instead channel our efforts into preventing conflicts ..." The UNSC speech by the Finnish president was refreshing in our war-focused present www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJas...
youtube.com
Finland’s President Delivers Must-Watch UN Lecture to Understand Today’s World Disorder | AC1G
YouTube video by DRM News
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Joanna Bryson @j2bryson.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Finland knows a lot about war. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Stubb based on my first two encounters with him, but this speach and the one he gave @hertieschool.bsky.social last year were superb.
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Olivia Guest · Ολίβια Γκεστ @olivia.science · 26/09/2026
> In most fields where the consequences for error are serious, human performance is not 99% accuracy or 99.9% accuracy; it's 99.99% accuracy or better.
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Be afraid. VERY afraid. (But, of course, Trump & Cronies WANT you to be afraid.) #InfoWar www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
theguardian.com
‘The weaker he gets, the more dangerous he gets’: Trump lashes out as his power wanes
Trump tries to dominate at the UN as his approval ratings plummet and even some Republicans distance themselves from him
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Social Media Lab @socialmedialab.ca · 26/09/2026
Chef 💋 of a headline: "Big Balls Now Exposed to Serious Criminal Charges in at Least Six States." He was fired at 17 for leaking secrets. Served a cybercrime ring. Named by the Social Security whistleblower. Now the (US) government's "model employee." cmarmitage.substack.com/p/big-balls-...
cmarmitage.substack.com
Big Balls Now Exposed to Serious Criminal Charges in at Least Six States
Fired at 17 for leaking secrets. Served a cybercrime ring. Named by the Social Security whistleblower. Now the government's model employee.
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Adolfo Neto @adolfoneto.elixiremfoco.com · 26/09/2026
If a person says it is Anti-AI and uses AI as proof, we know that person is pro-AI cc @olivia.science, who wrote on Entrysm
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Michael Pettis @michaelpettis.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
1/2 FT: "Brussels has warned Andy Burnham that Britain would need to raise tariffs on Chinese cars and align more closely with EU trade policy if it wants to avoid “made in Europe” barriers that would hit key exports." www.ft.com/content/5453...
ft.com
EU urges UK to raise tariffs on Chinese cars to avoid ‘made in Europe’ barriers
London has lobbied intensely to secure equal treatment for British products but continues to rule out a customs union
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Tech Policy Press @techpolicypress.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The European Union says its AI rules already give regulators the tools to deal with the risks posed by increasingly capable AI models. Legal experts are questioning how far those powers actually extend, Joana Soares reports.
buff.ly
Europe Says Its AI Rules Are Enough. AI Agents Are Testing That Claim
Recent AI agent incidents are testing whether Europe’s AI Act can hold increasingly capable AI systems accountable, Joana Soares reports.
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Tech Policy Press @techpolicypress.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
All five of the main presidential hopefuls in Brazil’s upcoming election feature ‘sovereignty’ prominently in their plans. But it means entirely different things to each candidate, from right to left, reports Tech Policy Press fellow Tatiana Dias.
buff.ly
Brazil’s Presidential Candidates Give Digital Sovereignty Many Meanings
Every major candidate is promising sovereignty for Brazil — but what that actually means differs completely across the political spectrum, says Tatiana Dias.
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
A truly extraordinary interview with the head of Ukraine's drone operations. It's a brutal, senseless war that's likely to get worse. balticsentinel.eu/8540628/inte...
balticsentinel.eu
INTERVIEW ⟩ Ukrainian Drone Forces Commander “Magyar”: “Ukraine Is Using Only 14% of Its Deep-Strike Drone Potential — We Have More Pilots Than Drones”
Ukraine has everything it needs to carry out continuous drone strikes against Russia, including targets beyond the Ural Mountains. There is also no real limit preventing Ukraine from soon striking Vla...
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Hypervisible @hypervisible.blacksky.app · 25/09/2026
“The reality is, we don’t have to wait to see how AI will bring about unprecedented death and destruction, because we’ve already witnessed its unleashing.”
theguardian.com
It’s not hypothetical: the dangers of AI are already here | Granate Kim and Mohamed Hussein
Israel and the US have used AI to kill in Gaza and Iran, while law enforcement uses it in surveillance and arrests. The future is here
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Extraordinary insights into how Ukrainians have defended their country (so far).
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026... Word of the Week: DIPLOTAINMENT
theguardian.com
Diplomacy or ‘diplotainment’? Key takeaways from the Trump-Xi summit in Washington
Xi Jinping’s visit heavy on symbolism but no sign closed-door meeting yielded breakthroughs on thorny issues such as AI, trade, Taiwan and Iran
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
On a United flight to Denver. Watching a GREAT documentary about cryptocurrency scams, "Everybody is Lying to you for Money". Even better than "AI Doc", which is also available on the flight en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everyon...
en.wikipedia.org
Everyone Is Lying to You for Money - Wikipedia
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
In case you need more evidence: gadebate.un.org/en/81/united... It appears that Trump has adopted Gaddafi as his role model.
gadebate.un.org
United States of America | 81st session
His Excellency Donald Trump spoke at the General Debate of the 81st session
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Mike Nelson, Digital Policy Pioneer @michaelrnelson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Trump and Sons are not the first American con men--but they might be the most audacious and greedy! apnews.com/article/snak...
apnews.com
One thing that hasn’t changed in 250 years: Americans’ willingness to get suckered
America is the land of possibility and the land of cockamamie schemes. Our enduring belief that anything is possible has helped the nation become the world’s largest economy, but it has also led us to...
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404 Media @404media.co · 21/09/2026
While people around the U.S. are tearing down Flock cameras, one group of hackers went a step further: extracting the camera's software too. Here's what we learned: www.404media.co/hackers-stol...
404media.co
Hackers Stole Flock’s Camera Software, Revealing How the Company Tracks Cars and People
While people around the U.S. are tearing down Flock cameras, one group of hackers went a step further: extracting the camera's software too.
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