Mike Benz - Inside the Censorship Industrial Complex - Shawn Ryan

Sep 19, 2024
Mike Benz is a former official with the U.S. Department of State, known for his work in international communications and digital freedom. He has played a significant role in advocating for internet freedom and the protection of online expression.

Benz is the founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online, an organization dedicated to promoting free speech and digital rights around the world. His work focuses on countering authoritarian censorship and supporting the rights of individuals to access and share information freely.

His background includes expertise in foreign affairs and digital policy, often emphasizing the importance of a free and open internet as a fundamental human right. Through his advocacy, Benz has sought to engage policymakers and the public on issues related to digital governance, censorship, and the implications of technology for democracy.

00:00 - Introduction
13:11 - The Blob
19:07 - 2014 Censorship & the Ukraine connection
29:00 - Influencing international censorship policy
32:35 - The power of ‘The Blob’
48:06 - Elon/X free speech proxy war
55:43 - DHS censorship threats
1:30:17 - Headway in Congress
1:42:20 - How do we gain powerr over tech companies?
1:51:24 - Tim Walz China connection
1:56:38 - Burisma & why we’re in Ukraine
2:29:14 - Free speech on the internet
2:37:21 - World War 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o98Y1cEja-U