Overview: Max and Shaenah explore the origins and societal impact of the internet, discussing its military roots and the influence of major tech oligarchs on the government. They delved into the historical context of state investment in technology and the shift towards privatization. Surveillance laws and the role of intelligence agencies in shaping internet technology are also discussed. The conversation concluded with an analysis of the current power dynamics between tech companies, intelligence agencies, and wealthy elites, highlighting enduring historical patterns despite technological changes.
Main points:
The Internet's Origins and Social Impact
The military origins and societal impact of the internet and the contemporary influence of tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk. Max and Shaenah discussed how the groundwork for the internet was laid during the Cold War and as a counter-insurgency tool during the Vietnam War. They also focused on the under-discussed ties of the military-industrial complex and intelligence community to social media platforms.
State Funding and Technological Innovation
Max illustrated the origins and development of the Internet, noting the state funding it received. He explained that the internet’s precursors, such as ARPANET, were created during the Cold War as part of a U.S. response to Soviet advancements. Shaenah added that the development of these early networks was also influenced by the need to better analyze data collected during the Vietnam War, including through surveillance projects like Project Igloo White. Max concluded that understanding the Internet's history supports the argument for public ownership, as much of its foundational technology was developed with state funding.
Government to Private Sector Shift
The discussion touched on historical context of the moon landings and the era's significant government investment in technology and infrastructure, which are now a relic of the past. Max shared insights from an article that explored how the deindustrialization of the U.S. and the shift to private sector initiatives have altered public perception of the feasibility of large-scale government-funded projects and even fueled moon landing skepticism. They reflected on how this shift has contributed to conspiracies about historical events and the future of space exploration, with Shaenah comparing it to a Philip K. Dickian scenario of private companies colonizing other planets.
Tech Giants and CIA Ties
Max and Shaenah discussed the use of the internet and social media as tools for regime change and surveillance by intelligence agencies. They highlighted examples such as the Arab Spring and the CIA's involvement with tech companies like Facebook and Google. Max emphasized the close relationship between tech giants and intelligence agencies, noting that these companies often hire former intelligence operatives and provide access to user data. They also touched on the irony of tech companies advertising freedom and individual liberation while collaborating with the surveillance state.
NSA Surveillance and FISA History
Max discussed the history and implications of surveillance laws and practices, particularly focusing on the NSA's activities. Max explained how the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was established in response to intelligence abuses in the 1970s, but how it was later circumvented after 9/11. He detailed Edward Snowden's revelations about backdoor searches and XKeyScore, which showed how intelligence agencies could monitor vast amounts of internet activity without warrant.
The Dark Side of Tor
Shaenah discussed the origins and dual purposes of the Tor Project, explaining how it was initially developed by the U.S. Navy for spying purposes but later promoted as a tool for internet privacy. She highlighted the involvement of Roger Dingledine and Nick Mathewson in its development and the subsequent funding by the Open Technology Fund, which also supported the messaging app Signal. Max agreed that the internet freedom movement often masks the military and intelligence interests behind such technologies, comparing it to the controversy surrounding Signal.
Tech Elites and Power Dynamics
Max and Shaenah discussed the similarities between the current techno-feudal elite and past historical power dynamics where titans of American industry wielded influence. They explored how tech companies like Amazon and social media platforms have been used for political manipulation and surveillance. The conversation concluded with reflections on the historical continuity of wealth and power concentration, despite technological changes.
Links:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/31/nsa-top-secret-program-online-data
https://www.mintpressnews.com/meet-ex-cia-agents-deciding-facebook-content-policy/281307/
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/d-believe-moon-landings-were-180000599.html
https://www.mintpressnews.com/the-open-technology-fund-makes-privacy-apps-staffed-spies/279147/
https://www.mintpressnews.com/cia-secret-network-885-fake-websites/290325/
http://yashalevine.com/articles/tor-spooks
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2003/11/19/facemash-creator-survives-ad-board-the/
https://archive.org/details/the-devils-chessboard-allen-dulles
