4.01: Unambiguously Meh

We open our fourth season with a discussion of Facebook’s Internet.org platform, open access vs. power plays by large companies, and the ethical questions at the intersection of business and philanthropy. Chris and Stephen disagree about how to read Facebook’s move, and set the stage for a season-long discussion of globalization and its ramifications for technology, religion, ethics, and art. Just some light discussion to start things off, in other words. Links Quartz: “Mark Zuckerberg can’t believe India isn’t grateful for Facebook’s free internet” “Zuckerberg says the internet lifts people out of poverty, but is giving them subpar access” Alternatives to Internet.org: Medianama: “Mozilla’s Mitchell Baker offers alternatives to zero-rating for Internet services” Jana Gigato Huffington Post: “Is Net Neutrality More Important Than Internet Access? Why Babajob’s On Internet.org” “Internet.org VP: We used the Facebook platform to lobby TRAI just like the people on the other side” Music “Oh Boy”, by Hazelwood. Used by permission. (Fun fact: Hazelwood’s lead singer is Stephen’s wife!) “Winning Slowly Theme” by Chris Krycho, who still dreams of doing a dance kit version of this, and a rock version of it, and a massive orchestra version of it. Someday, maybe. Sponsors Many thanks to the people who help us make this show possible by their financial support! This month’s sponsors: Andrew Fallows Jeremy W. Sherman Jeremy Cherfas If you’d like to support the show, you can make a pledge at Patreon or give directly via Square Cash. Respond We love to hear your thoughts. Hit us up on Twitter, App.net, Facebook, or via email!