Still Breaking

Podcast Summary

• Reddit users uncover massive conspiracy of fake comments online: Two Reddit users discovered millions of fake comments, sparking an investigation into online community integrity and potential wider consequences.

  In May 2017, two Reddit users, Matt from Massachusetts and David from New Jersey, independently discovered a massive conspiracy involving millions of fake comments on the Internet. They were not alone in their discovery, as Corey, a Reddit user and editor at a publishing company, had also noticed the same suspicious comments. These users were initially unsure if they were going crazy or had stumbled upon a massive conspiracy. However, they soon realized they were not alone, and the discovery sparked a larger investigation. The discovery of these fake comments raised concerns about the integrity of online communities and the potential impact on the wider world. Despite the discovery being over a year ago, the issue is still ongoing and has yet to be fully addressed by the government. This story highlights the power of online communities in uncovering important information and the potential consequences of large-scale deception on the Internet.

• Fake Comments in FCC's Net Neutrality Debate: Thousands of fake comments, some using real names, were submitted during the FCC's net neutrality debate, highlighting the need for authentic public engagement and the potential for manipulation in online forums.

  During the public comment period for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rolling back net neutrality protections in 2017, thousands of seemingly genuine comments in support of the move were discovered to be fake, a tactic known as astroturfing. These comments, some of which used real names, were uploaded at the same time and even included the name of former President Barack Obama, who had previously supported net neutrality. The discovery of these fake comments highlighted the communication issues surrounding the FCC and fueled widespread resistance to the rollback of net neutrality protections. The incident underscores the importance of authentic public engagement and the potential for manipulation in online forums.

• Net Neutrality: A Consensus Issue with Consequences: 83% of Americans support net neutrality, but the FCC's new rule disregards expert opinions and may lead to a pay-to-play internet, with potential consequences including identity theft of Senators.

  The net neutrality issue has seen an unprecedented public consensus, with 83% of American voters supporting it, as opposed to the 1% who favor the FCC's new rule. The recent discovery of identity theft, including the stolen identities of Senators Merkley and Toomey, further highlights the importance of this issue and the potential consequences of the new rule. The FCC, under Ajit Pai, has been accused of disregarding expert opinions and creating a rule that benefits the powerful, potentially leading to a pay-to-play internet landscape. The lack of response from the FCC regarding the identity theft incident raises concerns about their commitment to addressing this issue. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, a long-time advocate for net neutrality, has given the FCC a failing grade for its handling of the issue.

• FCC's Decision on Net Neutrality: Open Internet Fears and ISP Arguments: Commissioner Clyburn worries about stifling voices without net neutrality, while ISPs argue against regulatory hindrances to innovation and profit

  The repeal of net neutrality protections, as advocated by the current Republican-majority Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has raised concerns among advocates for an open internet. Commissioner Clyburn, who previously supported net neutrality, expressed her worry that without these protections, voices that have historically used the internet to gain a platform and spread awareness of social movements could be stifled. She recalled past instances where the FCC failed to investigate fraudulent comments during the public comment period, which further fueled her concerns. On the other side, Internet service providers argue that they pay significant costs to build and maintain infrastructure, and that net neutrality regulations could hinder their ability to innovate and make a profit. Commissioner Brendan Carr, a part of the Republican majority, downplays the fears of a post-net neutrality world, stating that consumers' concerns are overblown. The debate continues, with both sides advocating for their respective positions.

• FCC Acknowledges Concerns Over Fake Comments but No Official Investigation: The FCC acknowledged concerns over fake comments during their open comment period but have not launched an official investigation, focusing instead on reviewing filings and maintaining transparency in their process.

  Despite concerns over fake comments and potential fraud during the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) open comment period last year, the FCC has not launched an official investigation into the matter. The FCC representative acknowledged the issue but explained that they have an obligation to review filings and that mass uploads can sometimes be legitimate. However, the representative also acknowledged that the situation with alleged fake comments from former President Barack Obama and others seems suspicious. The FCC did engage in discussions with then Attorney General Schneiderman's office about the issue but did not provide a clear update on the current status of those discussions. The FCC's perspective under Chairman Ajit Pai is that net neutrality protections are not their jurisdiction, and they have been pushing for policy cuts despite opposition from the majority of opinions outside the FCC. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who has been a strong advocate for net neutrality, recently left the FCC due to being outgunned in her efforts. Outside the FCC, there have been creative protests for net neutrality, such as slowing down traffic and creating fast lanes for added fees. Ultimately, the FCC's decisions on net neutrality will be subject to debate and disagreement, but they aim to run a transparent and open process.

• Comparing net neutrality to traffic on a highway: Rob Bliss' creative protest highlighted the potential consequences of a world without net neutrality, using a relatable analogy to help non-tech savvy individuals understand the issue.

  Net neutrality is a complex issue that can be compared to traffic on a highway. Rob Bliss, a viral video creator, attempted to raise awareness about the potential consequences of a world without net neutrality by creating a real-life analogy. He planned to block a lane of traffic in front of the FCC building with traffic cones and slowly ride his bike in the other lane, allowing others to pass for a fee. However, he faced challenges due to his nice nature and fear of riding in traffic. Despite these challenges, he used the logic of net neutrality opponents to justify his actions. This creative and bold approach aimed to help people understand the importance of net neutrality, a topic that can be difficult for non-tech savvy individuals to grasp.

• The fight for net neutrality can unite people and spark activism: Individuals can make a difference in the fight for net neutrality, and its loss has significant implications for the internet and users.

  The fight for net neutrality, even if it may seem esoteric or boring to some, has the potential to bring people together and spark activism, especially among younger generations. Rob Bliss's protest, though short-lived, gained significant attention and showed that individuals can make a difference. Aditya Saligrama, a high school sophomore, shares a similar passion for net neutrality and encourages people not to blindly dismiss government actions but instead to investigate and understand their implications. The loss of net neutrality protections may not be a popular topic, but its impact on the internet and internet users is significant.

• The Future of a Splintered Internet: The repeal of net neutrality rules could lead to a divided internet where only big companies can afford equal access, potentially widening the digital divide

  The repeal of net neutrality rules has significant implications for the internet as we know it. ISPs have a history of violating net neutrality principles even before the rules were in place, and the recent rollback could lead to a splintered internet where only big companies can afford equal access. The FCC's handling of public comments on the issue has raised concerns about manipulation and deceit. Net neutrality has not been protected for a decade, and the lack of it could result in a dystopian future with widening digital divide. The consequences may not be immediate but gradual, and there's a risk that people may forget about the issue altogether. It's crucial to stay informed and engaged to ensure that the internet remains accessible and equitable for all.

• States taking matters into their own hands for net neutrality: States like Oregon and New York are passing their own net neutrality rules and threatening to not do business with ISPs that violate these principles, offering hope for net neutrality advocates in the wake of federal rollbacks.

  The future of the Internet may not be as free and open as we're used to, and some states are taking matters into their own hands by passing their own net neutrality rules. Former FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn is encouraged by this grassroots movement, which includes states like Oregon and New York, and even senators like Merkley, whose home state is on the list. These states are threatening to not do business with Internet service providers that violate net neutrality principles. This is a new hope for advocates of net neutrality, as the federal government has rolled back these regulations. The wild west world of the Internet may not be around forever, so it's important to pay attention to these developments and support states that are taking a stand.