Michael Karanicolas
@karanicolas.bsky.social
Palmer Chair in Law and Public Policy at Dalhousie Law. Formerly @ UCLA and Yale. All things tech and democracy. Dachshund enthusiast.
This is exactly right, and it’s how you get absurdities like Dave Chappelle or JK Rowling complaining about being silenced while continuing to wield some of the largest megaphones on the planet.
People reacting badly to your words isn’t censorship - but rather the essence of an open society.
People reacting badly to your words isn’t censorship - but rather the essence of an open society.
I'm probably not the first to note this, but a lot of the "slur words as free speech" discourse confused censorship with social convention.
Not causing offense and injury, even when the harms do not rise to the level of a crime, is just part of being a civic-minded citizen and good neighbor.
Not causing offense and injury, even when the harms do not rise to the level of a crime, is just part of being a civic-minded citizen and good neighbor.
February 7, 2026 at 1:52 PM
This is exactly right, and it’s how you get absurdities like Dave Chappelle or JK Rowling complaining about being silenced while continuing to wield some of the largest megaphones on the planet.
People reacting badly to your words isn’t censorship - but rather the essence of an open society.
People reacting badly to your words isn’t censorship - but rather the essence of an open society.
Poor Edmonton out there catching strays in the Epstein files.
Apparently the FBI's Epstein redaction machine was set to redact "don't" (Don T) for some reason. That would appear to run afoul of The Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405)
February 6, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Poor Edmonton out there catching strays in the Epstein files.
If I happened to know a particular individual was “obsessed with girls” I would not steer undergraduate students in his direction regardless of how interesting the job opportunity might seem.
This is the Yale professor's explanation for why he described the physical attractiveness of a student in an email to Epstein. He explicitly says he regrets nothing about their association.
Again, I'm so happy Yale hired David Brooks to restore trust.
yaledailynews.com/articles/gel...
Again, I'm so happy Yale hired David Brooks to restore trust.
yaledailynews.com/articles/gel...
February 6, 2026 at 12:09 AM
If I happened to know a particular individual was “obsessed with girls” I would not steer undergraduate students in his direction regardless of how interesting the job opportunity might seem.
"Campus free speech" was such a painfully obvious con and it's infuriating how many influential academic and media figures fell for the moral panic around cancel culture at universities.
“Faculty are walking on eggshells. Administrators are walking on eggshells. Students are walking on eggshells. And what you get is the opposite of free speech.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/u...
Professors Are Being Watched: ‘We’ve Never Seen This Much Surveillance’
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:21 PM
"Campus free speech" was such a painfully obvious con and it's infuriating how many influential academic and media figures fell for the moral panic around cancel culture at universities.
In discussing the detainees, the lawyer also says: "I am not white, as you can see. And my family's at risk as any other people that might get picked up too, so I share the same concern, and I took that concern to heart."
Cannot fathom how a lawyer can express that and just keep going in to work.
Cannot fathom how a lawyer can express that and just keep going in to work.
February 5, 2026 at 1:16 AM
In discussing the detainees, the lawyer also says: "I am not white, as you can see. And my family's at risk as any other people that might get picked up too, so I share the same concern, and I took that concern to heart."
Cannot fathom how a lawyer can express that and just keep going in to work.
Cannot fathom how a lawyer can express that and just keep going in to work.
Really hard to express how little sympathy I have for any lawyers still choosing to work for this administration, now that it’s abundantly clear what mission you’ve signed up for.
Is it good or bad when government lawyers are in federal court telling judges that their jobs suck and begging for a full night's sleep
Exhausted DOJ Lawyer to Federal Judge: “What Do You Want Me to Do? This Job Sucks”
The Trump administration cannot find enough lawyers who are willing and able to defend its fascism in court.
ballsandstrikes.org
February 5, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Really hard to express how little sympathy I have for any lawyers still choosing to work for this administration, now that it’s abundantly clear what mission you’ve signed up for.
The NY Times framing the story around Karp’s regrets is also a deliberate editorial choice, which turns him into a victim of the scandal as opposed to a perpetrator.
Have you noticed that these powerful men don’t express regret until after their ties to Epstein are revealed?
Karp sent these emails in 2015. He has had more than a decade to come forth.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/b...
Karp sent these emails in 2015. He has had more than a decade to come forth.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/b...
Wall St. Lawyer Brad Karp Says He Regrets Epstein Interactions
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:45 PM
The NY Times framing the story around Karp’s regrets is also a deliberate editorial choice, which turns him into a victim of the scandal as opposed to a perpetrator.
Quantum Sensing Will Test Legal Frameworks for Privacy: www.techpolicy.press/quantum-sens...
Quantum Sensing Will Test Legal Frameworks for Privacy
Zahra Takhshid, Mark Gyure, and Vivek Krishnamurthy say quantum technologies pose profound challenges to established conceptions of privacy.
www.techpolicy.press
February 3, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Quantum Sensing Will Test Legal Frameworks for Privacy: www.techpolicy.press/quantum-sens...
Half of the plutocracy is telling us AI is going to eliminate the need for work while the other half is saying this stuff and I have a feeling I know who’s lying.
Dr Oz: "If we could get the average American to start working a year earlier, right out of high school, or a year later -- not retire -- or work better during their lifetime because they're healthy, it would generate about $3 trillion to the US economy. That would more than remove the debt."
February 3, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Half of the plutocracy is telling us AI is going to eliminate the need for work while the other half is saying this stuff and I have a feeling I know who’s lying.
Reposted by Michael Karanicolas
As an academic, I feel strongly that it’s unethical for me to sell subscription-only content in a newsletter. I am already being paid to do intellectual work and share it with the world. Asking people to pay me for my analysis would be a kind of embezzlement.
February 1, 2026 at 3:32 AM
As an academic, I feel strongly that it’s unethical for me to sell subscription-only content in a newsletter. I am already being paid to do intellectual work and share it with the world. Asking people to pay me for my analysis would be a kind of embezzlement.
Reposted by Michael Karanicolas
For Americans, one of the thorniest questions has to be what to do about the Supreme Court, as a failing institution which is enormously difficult to reform or replace.
As Canadians, we need to ask ourselves how we maintain the integrity of our Court to avoid a similar fate.
As Canadians, we need to ask ourselves how we maintain the integrity of our Court to avoid a similar fate.
America's democratic institutions are facing their greatest challenge since the civil war and it's really telling that John Roberts' primary response has been to try and stamp out criticism of his court.
Jodi Kantor in the NY Times reports that the Chief Justice requested Court employees sign nondisclosure agreements in November 2024 - moving to formal contracts requiring silence/confidentiality after Trump was reelected: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
February 2, 2026 at 2:37 PM
For Americans, one of the thorniest questions has to be what to do about the Supreme Court, as a failing institution which is enormously difficult to reform or replace.
As Canadians, we need to ask ourselves how we maintain the integrity of our Court to avoid a similar fate.
As Canadians, we need to ask ourselves how we maintain the integrity of our Court to avoid a similar fate.
America's democratic institutions are facing their greatest challenge since the civil war and it's really telling that John Roberts' primary response has been to try and stamp out criticism of his court.
Jodi Kantor in the NY Times reports that the Chief Justice requested Court employees sign nondisclosure agreements in November 2024 - moving to formal contracts requiring silence/confidentiality after Trump was reelected: www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
February 2, 2026 at 2:31 PM
America's democratic institutions are facing their greatest challenge since the civil war and it's really telling that John Roberts' primary response has been to try and stamp out criticism of his court.
Reposted by Michael Karanicolas
I took a close look at the latest Department of Homeland Security AI use case inventory, which details over 200 applications across DHS component agencies, including CBP and ICE. DHS is rapidly deploying these tools in US cities, while increasingly engaging in violence and defying court orders.
DHS AI Surveillance Arsenal Grows as Agency Defies Courts
A Department of Homeland Security AI inventory contains details on new tools used by ICE and border patrol agents in Trump's deportation campaign.
www.techpolicy.press
February 1, 2026 at 2:26 PM
I took a close look at the latest Department of Homeland Security AI use case inventory, which details over 200 applications across DHS component agencies, including CBP and ICE. DHS is rapidly deploying these tools in US cities, while increasingly engaging in violence and defying court orders.
Reposted by Michael Karanicolas
A recent controversy about Zoom’s ability to train AI on users’ conversations shows the importance of reading the fine print
This Is What Happens When People Start Actually Reading Privacy Policies – The Markup
A recent controversy about Zoom’s ability to train AI on users’ conversations shows the importance of reading the fine print
bit.ly
February 1, 2026 at 8:01 AM
A recent controversy about Zoom’s ability to train AI on users’ conversations shows the importance of reading the fine print
Looks familiar:
January 31, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Looks familiar:
Yeah remember when Trump and co went all in on Brexit and then when it happened and the UK asked for a trade agreement he laughed and told them to pound sand?
I’m sure it’ll be different this time though.
I’m sure it’ll be different this time though.
January 29, 2026 at 2:41 AM
Yeah remember when Trump and co went all in on Brexit and then when it happened and the UK asked for a trade agreement he laughed and told them to pound sand?
I’m sure it’ll be different this time though.
I’m sure it’ll be different this time though.
Today, the United States announced its withdrawal from the Open Government Partnership.
While unsurprising, this move is another nail in the coffin of America's global leadership, with particular regards to democracy and open government principles. www.opengovpartnership.org/wp-content/u...
While unsurprising, this move is another nail in the coffin of America's global leadership, with particular regards to democracy and open government principles. www.opengovpartnership.org/wp-content/u...
January 28, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Today, the United States announced its withdrawal from the Open Government Partnership.
While unsurprising, this move is another nail in the coffin of America's global leadership, with particular regards to democracy and open government principles. www.opengovpartnership.org/wp-content/u...
While unsurprising, this move is another nail in the coffin of America's global leadership, with particular regards to democracy and open government principles. www.opengovpartnership.org/wp-content/u...
Fun fact - 100 years ago German universities led the world in science and innovation. Dominated the Nobel prizes, etc.
Want to guess what happened?
Want to guess what happened?
The US government lost more than 10,000 STEM PhDs last year, according to an analysis by Science of newly released OPM data, with 11 departures for every hire. And many OPM calls "voluntary" separations were probably pushed. www.science.org/content/arti...
U.S. government has lost more than 10,000 STEM Ph.D.s since Trump took office
A Science analysis reveals how many were fired, retired, or quit across 14 agencies
www.science.org
January 28, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Fun fact - 100 years ago German universities led the world in science and innovation. Dominated the Nobel prizes, etc.
Want to guess what happened?
Want to guess what happened?
Reposted by Michael Karanicolas
@wired.com and @mattburgess1.bsky.social have been doing an incredible job reporting on the creation of NCII-oriented Deepfakes by users of both Twitter and Grok. It was a pleasure to speak with him on this new article regarding the broader landscape of nudify tech.
www.wired.com/story/deepfa...
www.wired.com/story/deepfa...
Deepfake ‘Nudify’ Technology Is Getting Darker—and More Dangerous
Sexual deepfakes continue to get more sophisticated, capable, easy to access, and perilous for millions of women who are abused with the technology.
www.wired.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:33 PM
@wired.com and @mattburgess1.bsky.social have been doing an incredible job reporting on the creation of NCII-oriented Deepfakes by users of both Twitter and Grok. It was a pleasure to speak with him on this new article regarding the broader landscape of nudify tech.
www.wired.com/story/deepfa...
www.wired.com/story/deepfa...
Reposted by Michael Karanicolas
Windsor Law is hiring a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law & Public Policy (incl ILOs, governance, rights, global advocacy, UNDRIP, land and membership claims, & policy learning) at the asst/assoc prof level. Deadline: Feb 20
www.uwindsor.ca/faculty/recr...
www.uwindsor.ca/faculty/recr...
Canada Research Chair – Tier 2 Indigenous Law and Public Policy in Canada - Faculty of Law
www.uwindsor.ca
January 26, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Windsor Law is hiring a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law & Public Policy (incl ILOs, governance, rights, global advocacy, UNDRIP, land and membership claims, & policy learning) at the asst/assoc prof level. Deadline: Feb 20
www.uwindsor.ca/faculty/recr...
www.uwindsor.ca/faculty/recr...
Reposted by Michael Karanicolas
We launched the #ObservatoryofPublicSectorAI, one of the largest datasets to date on how public servants learn, use, and adapt AI at work.
Our goal is to build the evidence on what strengthens government capacity.
Learn more: rebootdemocracy.ai/blog/launchi...
Our goal is to build the evidence on what strengthens government capacity.
Learn more: rebootdemocracy.ai/blog/launchi...
Launching the Observatory of Public Sector AI: An Invitation to Build the Evidence Base Together
We’re launching the Observatory of Public Sector AI, a new research initiative of InnovateUS and The GovLab that draws on data from more than 150,000 public servants nationwide. By analyzing how publi...
rebootdemocracy.ai
January 26, 2026 at 12:11 PM
We launched the #ObservatoryofPublicSectorAI, one of the largest datasets to date on how public servants learn, use, and adapt AI at work.
Our goal is to build the evidence on what strengthens government capacity.
Learn more: rebootdemocracy.ai/blog/launchi...
Our goal is to build the evidence on what strengthens government capacity.
Learn more: rebootdemocracy.ai/blog/launchi...
Reposted by Michael Karanicolas
This morning, I recorded a video on TikTok about why DHS’s arguments for the power to enter homes without judicial warrants in immigration cases are bunk.
Nine hours later, TikTok still says my video is “under review,” and can’t be shared.
Well, here’s a link:
georgetown.box.com/v/Vladeck-IC...
Nine hours later, TikTok still says my video is “under review,” and can’t be shared.
Well, here’s a link:
georgetown.box.com/v/Vladeck-IC...
January 26, 2026 at 2:00 AM
This morning, I recorded a video on TikTok about why DHS’s arguments for the power to enter homes without judicial warrants in immigration cases are bunk.
Nine hours later, TikTok still says my video is “under review,” and can’t be shared.
Well, here’s a link:
georgetown.box.com/v/Vladeck-IC...
Nine hours later, TikTok still says my video is “under review,” and can’t be shared.
Well, here’s a link:
georgetown.box.com/v/Vladeck-IC...
That's a whole lot of words to say absolutely nothing...
But if history teaches us anything, it's that business leaders are the *last* ones you should expect are going to rescue a nation from fascism.
But if history teaches us anything, it's that business leaders are the *last* ones you should expect are going to rescue a nation from fascism.
🔥 NEW: More than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies call on federal leaders to achieve a "swift and durable solution," following murder of Alex Pretti by ICE agents yesterday. An open letter
www.mnchamber.com/blog/open-le...
www.mnchamber.com/blog/open-le...
January 25, 2026 at 8:31 PM
That's a whole lot of words to say absolutely nothing...
But if history teaches us anything, it's that business leaders are the *last* ones you should expect are going to rescue a nation from fascism.
But if history teaches us anything, it's that business leaders are the *last* ones you should expect are going to rescue a nation from fascism.
There's a lot to pick apart here, but this line, from an American, is especially galling.
I teach at a law school. And unlike many of my colleagues south of the border, I can do that without a government apparatchik picking through my syllabus in search of wrongthink.
Land of the free it ain't.
I teach at a law school. And unlike many of my colleagues south of the border, I can do that without a government apparatchik picking through my syllabus in search of wrongthink.
Land of the free it ain't.
January 25, 2026 at 2:15 PM
There's a lot to pick apart here, but this line, from an American, is especially galling.
I teach at a law school. And unlike many of my colleagues south of the border, I can do that without a government apparatchik picking through my syllabus in search of wrongthink.
Land of the free it ain't.
I teach at a law school. And unlike many of my colleagues south of the border, I can do that without a government apparatchik picking through my syllabus in search of wrongthink.
Land of the free it ain't.