Published Oct 30, 2020

E1132 News! Jack Dorsey vs. Ted Cruz, Google's antitrust lawsuit, Expensify email, Amazon deep dive

Jason Calacanis navigates the complex landscape of tech giants, analyzing antitrust issues at Google and Apple's App Store practices, while exploring startup investments and the role of corporate activism following Expensify's political email. The episode also delves into Twitter's content management strategies, including Jack Dorsey's proposal for third-party algorithms, framing a broader discussion on innovation and regulation.
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  • Expensify's Move

    The Expensify CEO's decision to email 10 million customers urging them to vote for Biden sparked significant debate. This move, described as either "totally insane or savvy," raised questions about the role of corporate activism and its impact on shareholders 1. Some argue it was a bold stand for civic engagement, while others see it as an overreach of corporate influence.

    The CEO's action was seen as a direct challenge to the apolitical stance of companies like Coinbase.

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    The implications of such actions on company reputation and customer trust remain a contentious topic.

       

    Twitter Policies

    Twitter's content policies continue to stir debate, particularly around Section 230 and freedom of expression. proposed an alternative approach, suggesting third-party algorithms to manage content, which could shift responsibility away from platforms 2. This idea aims to balance free speech with accountability, but its feasibility and impact are still uncertain.

    "Should Facebook & Twitter be held liable for the content on their platforms?" is a question that remains at the forefront of these discussions.

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    The ongoing debate highlights the challenges social media companies face in moderating content while respecting user rights 3.

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