Interviews, speeches, videos, and talks

We’re building a dystopia just to make people click on ads (Zeynep Tufekci)

We're building an artificial intelligence-powered dystopia, one click at a time, says techno-sociologist Zeynep Tufekci. In an eye-opening talk, she details how the same algorithms companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon use to get you to click on ads are also used to organize your access to political and social information. And the machines aren't even the real threat. What we need to understand is how the powerful might use AI to control us -- and what we can do in response.

Video series examining best practices for making investigative journalism sustainable (GIJN)

One of the greatest challenges for investigative journalism is making it pay. It’s hard enough for journalism in general, harder still for public-interest journalism, but hardest of all for investigative journalism which takes time and money and can carry substantial risk. Large commercial media organizations can more easily support investigative teams. But for nonprofit investigative journalism organizations, like most GIJN members, this challenge keeps journalists and their business managers awake at night.

GIJN has been providing ideas and expertise about bringing in money and developing financially sustainable nonprofit investigative journalism. We’re responding to the evident need and strong demand from both our members and the wider community of journalists. The challenges are greatest in developing and transitioning countries, but exist everywhere.

Should Big Tech Be Regulated? (Intelligence Squared US debate)

European regulators are taking on American technology companies, including Apple, Facebook, and Google, in a big way. Is Brussels waging war against Silicon Valley? Proponents of European regulations argue that these tech giants make billions of dollars while avoiding taxes, and they engage in risky activities that jeopardize user privacy with little to no consequence. Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), they say, will bring power back into the hands of tech consumers by protecting their data and will restore faith in tech companies, ultimately benefitting all. But not everyone agrees. Their opponents argue that regulations like the GDPR are bad for business, and Silicon Valley was built on the idea that innovators need the room and freedom to create without constraint. Tight regulations, they say, will stifle innovation, which will be a detriment to the West’s global influence – and an impediment to societal progress. Is Europe right to wield a regulatory sword at American tech companies?

Four Ways Journalism Can Make Money with MDIF Deputy CEO Mohamed Nanabhay (GIJN)

Nanabhay talks about the four ways that journalism organizations can make money: selling to audiences through subscriptions or membership; selling advertising; offering unique services such as data, events, and training; and donor funds. “The most important thing you can do,” Nanabhay says, “is to have clarity around your revenue – really knowing what you are selling and how you are going to bring that money in.”

Digiday’s path of profitable growth: Brian Morrissey interview (Reuters)

Vertical media company Digiday hit 10 years of age last year. As they enter their teenage years, we asked President and Editor-in-Chief Brian Morrissey for tips on sustainable, profitable growth.

Competition and the digital economy (Margrethe Vestager – European Commission)