Trump, AI, and Social Media: What You Need to Know Right Now

Author

Shira Lazar
November 11, 2024

Trump is back, America has made its decision, and with him comes a massive shake-up for Big Tech and the media.

Things are about to get weird—and a bit chaotic.

Trump has made it clear he wants to reshape how tech companies operate, particularly around AI, social media, and semiconductors. His influence is already creating a stir—and perhaps excitement—among the world's largest tech companies.

Antitrust Changes
Lina Khan, known for her aggressive stance on regulating Big Tech, might soon be out of a job. Trump and his allies are critical of her approach to companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google. Without her, tech giants might experience a shift in regulatory pressure, potentially leading to a more relaxed approach from the FTC. This could pave the way for easier mergers and expansion with less focus on consumer protection—resulting in stronger tech monopolies and reduced competition.

AI Deregulation
On AI, Trump leans heavily toward deregulation. He’s promised to repeal Biden's 2023 executive order on AI, dismissing it as "Radical Left-wing ideas." This approach could ease restrictions on major AI players, allowing a hands-off strategy in managing AI risks. Critics, like Professor Sandra Wachter from Oxford, warn this could increase bias, misinformation, job losses, and environmental impact. But Trump is unphased; he's focused on growth, even if it means taking on added risks.

China and the Chip Industry
Trump's stance on China could ignite a trade war, affecting everything from AI chips to iPhones. Big Tech relies heavily on Chinese production, and Taiwan's crucial role in the semiconductor industry heightens the risks. Trump has also suggested a pullback in military support for Taiwan, which could threaten the global chip industry if tensions escalate.

Additionally, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs of 10% to 20% on all imports and a staggering 60%-100% on Chinese imports, likely triggering a cascade of issues for the U.S. economy.

Social Media Under Trump
And then there's social media. Trump's flip-flopping on TikTok—once advocating a ban, now opposing it—underscores how unpredictable things could get. He wants to dismantle Section 230, the U.S. law that shields platforms from liability for user content while allowing them to moderate it in good faith. As the owner of Truth Social, Trump’s push to alter Section 230 could reshape social media, forcing platforms to navigate a new “freer” speech era.

Misinformation and Chaos
Trump's relationship with misinformation is a major concern. Social media under his influence may see less moderation and more controversial content, with experts like Benedict Evans warning about Trump’s inclination toward misinformation.

With this shift, tech companies and platforms would need to implement their own systems to maintain safe spaces for users and society. While Trump promotes "freedom of speech," his version often means fewer guardrails. This could signal an era of information overload, reduced accountability, and greater volatility across media and social platforms.

What Does This Mean for the Media?
Trump and his movement have long expressed skepticism toward the media, often leaning on the “fake news” narrative. As more people turn to individuals—and, as seen in the election, podcasts—for information, traditional news media and journalists will play a crucial role in debunking misinformation and breaking through the noise of opinions and conspiracy theories. As Jessica Lessin, founder of The Information, observed on LinkedIn:

"It is hard to overstate the significance of the next four years for the traditional news media. Publishers face a choice: go after subscribers by pandering or by informing. I'm worried about how things are getting started."

My hot take: We've already seen what happens in a world where social media can act without oversight: compromised user privacy, mental health impacts—especially among youth—and shareholder interests prioritized over user well-being. Without some kind of oversight, I worry about a potential free-for-all. While this freedom could bring innovation, it could also lead to unchecked power if placed in the wrong hands.

Shira Lazar

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