Happy DSA implementation day?, humans in the gen AI loop and Jaron Lanier on Section 230
Hello and welcome to Everything in Moderation, your guide to the policies, products, platforms and people shaping the future of online speech and the internet. It's written by me, Ben Whitelaw and supported by members like you.
Well, it's finally here. The Digital Services Act becomes enforceable tomorrow and, as you'll read below, no-ones quite sure what will happen. It's not just Europe, either; the impending NetChoice Supreme Court cases later this month give the distinct feeling that February 2024 is "month zero" for online speech. Which arguably isn't a bad time for new subscribers from Google, Thorn, The Financial Times, Checkstep, Ofcom, Modulate and elsewhere to be coming on board. Welcome, one and all.
You might notice that today's newsletter looks a little different to usual and has a new name - Week in Review. This is to help make room for several new exciting launches — there's still time to be a tester if you're inclined.
Here's everything in moderation from the last seven days — BW
Today’s edition is in partnership with Click To Trust, TrustLab’s new podcast that delves into the intricate challenges of protecting online communities
Guided by Tom Siegel, CEO and Co-Founder of TrustLab (and previously VP of Trust & Safety at Google), Click To Trust covers the challenges of monitoring harmful content, combatting digital threats, and challenging users, companies, and governments to reflect on their digital lives.
You can listen to the first three episodes on clicktotrust.transistor.fm or wherever you get your podcasts! (spoiler: I am one of the guests on the first episode!)
Policies
New and emerging internet policy and online speech regulation
I've chronicled the difficulties of EU member states to prepare for tomorrow's DSA deadline (EiM #234) but now Politico reports that the Commission itself is suffering from "strained resources and limited expertise" that "threaten to hamstring the legislation". Senior officials, including Thierry Breton (EiM #88 and others) have butted heads about how to get US-based platforms on board, leading to infighting and confusion about access to EU funding, according to unnamed sources. Inevitable teething problems or representative of something bigger?