Brazil Bans X: Implications for Free Speech and Silicon Valley Mindset

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Hosted by: Kevin Roose and Casey Newton

Produced by: Rachel Cohn, Davis Land, and Whitney Jones

Edited by: Jen Poyant

Engineered by: Daniel Ramirez

Original Music by: Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Rowan Niemisto, and Diane Wong

Featuring: Jack Nicas

In this episode, we delve into the significant event of X being banned in Brazil over the weekend. We are joined by Jack Nicas, the Brazil bureau chief for The New York Times, who shares insights on the local reactions to this ban. We discuss whether Elon Musk, the owner of X, has made a grave business error and explore the broader implications this situation has for the concept of free speech on a global scale.

Next, we switch gears and go into “founder mode.” We examine the viral essay that discusses start-up founders reclaiming their authority, unpacking what this phenomenon reveals about the prevailing mindset in Silicon Valley regarding power dynamics.

Finally, we turn to our audience. We feature voice messages from teachers and students who convey how phone bans in schools are impacting their daily lives and transforming their educational experiences.

Guest:

• Jack Nicas, Brazil bureau chief for The Times

Additional Reading:

• Brazil Blocks X After Musk Ignores Court Orders
• Paul Graham’s Founder Mode

Credits: “Hard Fork” is hosted by Kevin Roose and Casey Newton, produced by Rachel Cohn, Davis Land, and Whitney Jones. The show is expertly edited by Jen Poyant, with engineering by Daniel Ramirez. Original music contributions come from Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Diane Wong, and Rowan Niemisto. The episode also benefits from meticulous fact-checking by Caitlin Love.

Special thanks to Paula Szuchman, Pui-Wing Tam, Nell Gallogly, Dahlia Haddad, and Jeffrey Miranda for their invaluable support.