Corbin Barthold
@corbinkbarthold.bsky.social
Husband and father. Internet Policy Counsel @techfreedom.org. Host of the Tech Policy Podcast. Just 'cause you're hungry doesn't mean that you're lean.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
This is, of course, a fascinating thread from Kate asking why Google is effectively cannibalizing its own market for both digital ads on third party properties and search ads, by effectively taking away the incentive to click through to third party sites. I have a theory as to why they're doing it.
So this ad revenue metric is indicative of such a fascinating and weird set of business decisions by Google to inexplicably kill of SEO-- and I honestly don't get how they think this is going to pay off for them in the long run.
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Stereogum says Google's switch to AI Overviews reduced its ad revenue by *70 percent* www.theverge.com/entertainmen...
November 18, 2025 at 9:26 PM
This is, of course, a fascinating thread from Kate asking why Google is effectively cannibalizing its own market for both digital ads on third party properties and search ads, by effectively taking away the incentive to click through to third party sites. I have a theory as to why they're doing it.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
They promised us free speech—but all they’ve given us is hypocrisy!
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @aricohn.com (@thefireorg.bsky.social) and host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social survey the Trump administration’s many attacks on the First Amendment.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/423...
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @aricohn.com (@thefireorg.bsky.social) and host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social survey the Trump administration’s many attacks on the First Amendment.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/423...
November 13, 2025 at 3:01 PM
They promised us free speech—but all they’ve given us is hypocrisy!
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @aricohn.com (@thefireorg.bsky.social) and host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social survey the Trump administration’s many attacks on the First Amendment.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/423...
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @aricohn.com (@thefireorg.bsky.social) and host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social survey the Trump administration’s many attacks on the First Amendment.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/423...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
I couldn’t be more delighted to announce that I’ve accepted an offer to join the faculty of Tulane Law School. law.tulane.edu/news/tulane-...
Tulane Law Welcomes Professor Brian Frye to the Faculty
Tulane University Law School News
law.tulane.edu
November 10, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I couldn’t be more delighted to announce that I’ve accepted an offer to join the faculty of Tulane Law School. law.tulane.edu/news/tulane-...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
Uh, we've literally gone to bat for countless students protesting against Israel's actions in Gaza.
Immense money? Do you know how nonprofits work? I could easily be making 3-4x as much, at a minimum, in private practice.
Immense money? Do you know how nonprofits work? I could easily be making 3-4x as much, at a minimum, in private practice.
November 7, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Uh, we've literally gone to bat for countless students protesting against Israel's actions in Gaza.
Immense money? Do you know how nonprofits work? I could easily be making 3-4x as much, at a minimum, in private practice.
Immense money? Do you know how nonprofits work? I could easily be making 3-4x as much, at a minimum, in private practice.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
This is so unhinged.
And he wondered why I thought they were taking up the campus drag ban case in Texas to purposely get bad precedent in the 5th Circuit. I don't trust these people. They hate trans folks and think our existence is one of the greatest impingements on free speech ever. It's pure hatred.
November 7, 2025 at 4:52 PM
This is so unhinged.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
Oh hell yes.
This is like in a movie when two giant, comically inept, and heavily armed bad guys face off.
This is like in a movie when two giant, comically inept, and heavily armed bad guys face off.
MPA Sends Cease and Desist Letter to Instagram Over “Literally False and Highly Misleading” PG-13 Rating
The MPA said that Instagram owner Meta wants to exploit the trusted (and trademarked) rating system for its own use.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Oh hell yes.
This is like in a movie when two giant, comically inept, and heavily armed bad guys face off.
This is like in a movie when two giant, comically inept, and heavily armed bad guys face off.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
Techdirt Podcast Episode 437: Social Media Is Always Changing
Support us on Patreon » For two decades, the landscape of social media has been constantly changing, and the discourse about "free speech" has been changing alongside it. This week, we've got a bit of an open-ended discussion with…
Support us on Patreon » For two decades, the landscape of social media has been constantly changing, and the discourse about "free speech" has been changing alongside it. This week, we've got a bit of an open-ended discussion with…
Techdirt Podcast Episode 437: Social Media Is Always Changing
Support us on Patreon » For two decades, the landscape of social media has been constantly changing, and the discourse about "free speech" has been changing alongside it. This week, we've got a bit of an open-ended discussion with TechFreedom's Corbin Barthold, host of the Tech Policy Podcast, about social media's history and future, and the question of what people really want out of it…
www.techdirt.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Techdirt Podcast Episode 437: Social Media Is Always Changing
Support us on Patreon » For two decades, the landscape of social media has been constantly changing, and the discourse about "free speech" has been changing alongside it. This week, we've got a bit of an open-ended discussion with…
Support us on Patreon » For two decades, the landscape of social media has been constantly changing, and the discourse about "free speech" has been changing alongside it. This week, we've got a bit of an open-ended discussion with…
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
She’s back!
On the latest Tech Policy Podcast, former host Ashkhen Kazaryan (@ashkhen.bsky.social) of @futurefreespeech.org returns for a wide-ranging discussion about powerful algorithms, attacks on Section 230, and much, much more.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/422...
On the latest Tech Policy Podcast, former host Ashkhen Kazaryan (@ashkhen.bsky.social) of @futurefreespeech.org returns for a wide-ranging discussion about powerful algorithms, attacks on Section 230, and much, much more.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/422...
November 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
She’s back!
On the latest Tech Policy Podcast, former host Ashkhen Kazaryan (@ashkhen.bsky.social) of @futurefreespeech.org returns for a wide-ranging discussion about powerful algorithms, attacks on Section 230, and much, much more.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/422...
On the latest Tech Policy Podcast, former host Ashkhen Kazaryan (@ashkhen.bsky.social) of @futurefreespeech.org returns for a wide-ranging discussion about powerful algorithms, attacks on Section 230, and much, much more.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/422...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
Join EFF as a legal intern and fight for privacy, human rights, and freedoms! Your work can make a real difference. www.eff.org/about/oppor...
Legal Internship Opportunities
Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 Intern Class, with a deadline of November 1. See below for instructions and a link to the application.EFF’s legal internships provide law students with a
www.eff.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Join EFF as a legal intern and fight for privacy, human rights, and freedoms! Your work can make a real difference. www.eff.org/about/oppor...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
NEW: "American rhetoric doesn’t just shape diplomacy; it shapes the rhythm of the war itself. Russian planners watch press briefings and tweets as intently as they monitor radar returns. They calibrate escalation to the tempo of U.S. ambiguity."
www.thebulwark.com/p/mixed-sign...
www.thebulwark.com/p/mixed-sign...
Mixed Signals from Washington Cost Lives in Ukraine
Dithering, delaying, and doubting only invite Russian attacks.
www.thebulwark.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:53 PM
NEW: "American rhetoric doesn’t just shape diplomacy; it shapes the rhythm of the war itself. Russian planners watch press briefings and tweets as intently as they monitor radar returns. They calibrate escalation to the tempo of U.S. ambiguity."
www.thebulwark.com/p/mixed-sign...
www.thebulwark.com/p/mixed-sign...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
New Tech Policy Podcast!
Sri Muppidi of @theinformation.com discusses OpenAI’s effort to overhaul its corporate structure—and the resulting power struggle over the company’s future.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/421...
Sri Muppidi of @theinformation.com discusses OpenAI’s effort to overhaul its corporate structure—and the resulting power struggle over the company’s future.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/421...
October 22, 2025 at 2:26 PM
New Tech Policy Podcast!
Sri Muppidi of @theinformation.com discusses OpenAI’s effort to overhaul its corporate structure—and the resulting power struggle over the company’s future.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/421...
Sri Muppidi of @theinformation.com discusses OpenAI’s effort to overhaul its corporate structure—and the resulting power struggle over the company’s future.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/421...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
Will America remain a magnet for researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs?
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Jeremy Neufeld (Institute for Progress) discusses why it should, why it might not, and how to make sure it does.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/420...
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Jeremy Neufeld (Institute for Progress) discusses why it should, why it might not, and how to make sure it does.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/420...
October 6, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Will America remain a magnet for researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs?
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Jeremy Neufeld (Institute for Progress) discusses why it should, why it might not, and how to make sure it does.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/420...
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Jeremy Neufeld (Institute for Progress) discusses why it should, why it might not, and how to make sure it does.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/420...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
1/ The FCC has no authority to police content for bias or balance.
We—and more than seventy other organizations and scholars—warned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
techfreedom.org/wp-content/u...
We—and more than seventy other organizations and scholars—warned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
techfreedom.org/wp-content/u...
September 30, 2025 at 10:27 PM
1/ The FCC has no authority to police content for bias or balance.
We—and more than seventy other organizations and scholars—warned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
techfreedom.org/wp-content/u...
We—and more than seventy other organizations and scholars—warned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
techfreedom.org/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
Do tech optimists have a political home?
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @adamkovac.bsky.social, founder and CEO of @chamberofprogress.bsky.social, discusses the populist / anti-tech turn in politics, and what can be done about it.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/419...
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @adamkovac.bsky.social, founder and CEO of @chamberofprogress.bsky.social, discusses the populist / anti-tech turn in politics, and what can be done about it.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/419...
September 24, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Do tech optimists have a political home?
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @adamkovac.bsky.social, founder and CEO of @chamberofprogress.bsky.social, discusses the populist / anti-tech turn in politics, and what can be done about it.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/419...
On a new Tech Policy Podcast, @adamkovac.bsky.social, founder and CEO of @chamberofprogress.bsky.social, discusses the populist / anti-tech turn in politics, and what can be done about it.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/419...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
People are blaming social media for Charlie Kirk's murder. History shows us that's wrong.
Social media didn't kill Charlie Kirk
Plus: Trump says he "may let [TikTok] die," the SoHo Forum debates paying for sex, the administration calls birth control "abortifacients," and more...
reason.com
September 16, 2025 at 12:48 AM
People are blaming social media for Charlie Kirk's murder. History shows us that's wrong.
Pretty wild to see the Solicitor General come right out and say, YEAH, DUDE'S A MAD KING.
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25...
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25...
September 16, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Pretty wild to see the Solicitor General come right out and say, YEAH, DUDE'S A MAD KING.
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25...
www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/25...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
New Tech Policy Podcast!
@aricohn.com (@thefireorg.bsky.social) and Tom Kurland (Patterson Belknap) discuss the spate of product-liability lawsuits against social-media and AI companies.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/418...
@aricohn.com (@thefireorg.bsky.social) and Tom Kurland (Patterson Belknap) discuss the spate of product-liability lawsuits against social-media and AI companies.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/418...
September 15, 2025 at 1:12 PM
New Tech Policy Podcast!
@aricohn.com (@thefireorg.bsky.social) and Tom Kurland (Patterson Belknap) discuss the spate of product-liability lawsuits against social-media and AI companies.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/418...
@aricohn.com (@thefireorg.bsky.social) and Tom Kurland (Patterson Belknap) discuss the spate of product-liability lawsuits against social-media and AI companies.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/418...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
If you haven’t had time to follow the Internet crackdown and subsequent violent upheaval of govt in Nepal, here’s a recap.
In addition to being an awful story about real people’s lives, it’s also an amazing microcosm or synechdoche or something for the bigger picture.
In addition to being an awful story about real people’s lives, it’s also an amazing microcosm or synechdoche or something for the bigger picture.
After a sweeping social media ban, Nepal saw its bloodiest unrest in decades. What has happened in Nepal is a warning to other democracies to tread carefully with efforts to contain online expression, writes Samik Kharel.
Lessons from Nepal on the High Cost of Controlling Online Expression | TechPolicy.Press
The Nepalese government attempted to control the information ecosystem and lost control of the state itself, writes Samik Kharel.
www.techpolicy.press
September 12, 2025 at 1:16 PM
If you haven’t had time to follow the Internet crackdown and subsequent violent upheaval of govt in Nepal, here’s a recap.
In addition to being an awful story about real people’s lives, it’s also an amazing microcosm or synechdoche or something for the bigger picture.
In addition to being an awful story about real people’s lives, it’s also an amazing microcosm or synechdoche or something for the bigger picture.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
It is incredibly simple to acknowledge that violence in any form is awful and erodes society.
September 10, 2025 at 7:39 PM
It is incredibly simple to acknowledge that violence in any form is awful and erodes society.
Shutting down all the social media in Nepal seems to have gone really well.
September 9, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Shutting down all the social media in Nepal seems to have gone really well.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
The Trump FTC has already hopped on board a right-wing outrage campaign claiming that Gmail treated political $$ messages with WinRed links as spammier than messages with links to ActBlue, with filtering consequences. But the factual claims advanced so far are flimsy, reports Jack Nicastro.
Donald Trump’s antitrust enforcers continue their harassment campaign against Google
There is no hard evidence of Gmail discriminating against Republican campaign emails, but that’s no matter to the FTC Chairman.
reason.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The Trump FTC has already hopped on board a right-wing outrage campaign claiming that Gmail treated political $$ messages with WinRed links as spammier than messages with links to ActBlue, with filtering consequences. But the factual claims advanced so far are flimsy, reports Jack Nicastro.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
This is SO problematic:
* If imperfect content moderation is a deceptive-prong violation, then any UGC platform is a target, bc perfection is impossible.
* Big 4A govt agent problems if this means Aylo must monitor uploads.
* 18 USC 2257 is not the FTC's to enforce.
www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
* If imperfect content moderation is a deceptive-prong violation, then any UGC platform is a target, bc perfection is impossible.
* Big 4A govt agent problems if this means Aylo must monitor uploads.
* 18 USC 2257 is not the FTC's to enforce.
www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
FTC Takes Action Against Operators of Pornhub and other Pornographic Sites for Deceiving Users About Efforts to Crack Down on Child Sexual Abuse Material and Nonconsensual Sexual Content
The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah are taking action against the operators of Pornhub and other pornography-streaming sites over charges they deceived users by doing little to block
www.ftc.gov
September 4, 2025 at 8:17 PM
This is SO problematic:
* If imperfect content moderation is a deceptive-prong violation, then any UGC platform is a target, bc perfection is impossible.
* Big 4A govt agent problems if this means Aylo must monitor uploads.
* 18 USC 2257 is not the FTC's to enforce.
www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
* If imperfect content moderation is a deceptive-prong violation, then any UGC platform is a target, bc perfection is impossible.
* Big 4A govt agent problems if this means Aylo must monitor uploads.
* 18 USC 2257 is not the FTC's to enforce.
www.ftc.gov/news-events/...
I went on a rant about Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton and all the damage it's already doing.
Tune in if you're a fan of the First Amendment, excruciating legal wonkery, or both.
Tune in if you're a fan of the First Amendment, excruciating legal wonkery, or both.
New Tech Policy Podcast:
Host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social discusses the mess that is the Supreme Court’s ruling in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, as well as the wider harm the decision is already causing.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/417...
Host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social discusses the mess that is the Supreme Court’s ruling in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, as well as the wider harm the decision is already causing.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/417...
September 4, 2025 at 1:34 PM
I went on a rant about Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton and all the damage it's already doing.
Tune in if you're a fan of the First Amendment, excruciating legal wonkery, or both.
Tune in if you're a fan of the First Amendment, excruciating legal wonkery, or both.
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
New Tech Policy Podcast:
Host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social discusses the mess that is the Supreme Court’s ruling in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, as well as the wider harm the decision is already causing.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/417...
Host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social discusses the mess that is the Supreme Court’s ruling in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, as well as the wider harm the decision is already causing.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/417...
September 4, 2025 at 1:28 PM
New Tech Policy Podcast:
Host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social discusses the mess that is the Supreme Court’s ruling in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, as well as the wider harm the decision is already causing.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/417...
Host @corbinkbarthold.bsky.social discusses the mess that is the Supreme Court’s ruling in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, as well as the wider harm the decision is already causing.
podcast.techfreedom.org/episodes/417...
Reposted by Corbin Barthold
House Republicans Want To Doxx Wikipedia Editors Over Bogus ‘Bias’ Complaints
Congress has absolutely zero constitutional authority to investigate a private website for its editorial decisions. Zero. None. This is First Amendment 101. Yet House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and…
Congress has absolutely zero constitutional authority to investigate a private website for its editorial decisions. Zero. None. This is First Amendment 101. Yet House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and…
House Republicans Want To Doxx Wikipedia Editors Over Bogus ‘Bias’ Complaints
Congress has absolutely zero constitutional authority to investigate a private website for its editorial decisions. Zero. None. This is First Amendment 101. Yet House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Cybersecurity Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Mace have decided otherwise. In a letter to Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander, these two Republicans are demanding that Wikipedia hand over editor identities, internal communications, and arbitration records because some studies suggest there might be bias in Wikipedia articles about Israel-Palestine issues.
www.techdirt.com
August 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM
House Republicans Want To Doxx Wikipedia Editors Over Bogus ‘Bias’ Complaints
Congress has absolutely zero constitutional authority to investigate a private website for its editorial decisions. Zero. None. This is First Amendment 101. Yet House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and…
Congress has absolutely zero constitutional authority to investigate a private website for its editorial decisions. Zero. None. This is First Amendment 101. Yet House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and…