The hottest Regulation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

LLMs: Dishonest, unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Marcus on AI • 10473 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Safety Ethics Innovation Regulation
  1. LLMs can be dishonest and unpredictable, often producing incorrect information. This makes them risky to rely on for important tasks.
  2. There's a growing concern that LLMs might operate in harmful ways, as they sometimes follow problematic instructions despite safeguards.
  3. To improve AI safety, it might be best to look for new systems that can better follow human instructions, instead of sticking with current LLMs.

Welcome Back, Wells Fargo!

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3910 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
💰 Finance Banking Fraud Regulation Corporate Governance Legal issues
  1. Wells Fargo has a long history of financial misconduct, many of which have resulted in significant penalties and settlements. Despite this, they have now been released from a seven-year growth restriction imposed by the Federal Reserve.
  2. The bank has faced multiple lawsuits and fines for wrongdoing, including illegal fees, overcharging customers, and unauthorized account openings. These actions highlight a pattern of exploitation and a lack of trustworthiness.
  3. Despite being part of the 'Too Big to Fail' club, Wells Fargo's release from federal sanctions raises concerns about whether they have truly changed. Many believe their past behavior suggests they may continue questionable practices in the future.

Contra MR On Charity Regrants

Astral Codex Ten • 25741 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Charity Aid Regulation Politics Government
  1. USAID funds many charities, but does not give money directly to people. All funds first go through other charitable organizations.
  2. Overheads in charities, like salaries and audits, are necessary for ensuring that donations reach the intended causes. USAID’s overhead is about 30%, which is typical.
  3. Even with some flaws, USAID programs save millions of lives, and concerns about corruption are often exaggerated. Many charity workers genuinely strive to help others.

Progressives take their best shot at Abundance (but it falls short)

Noahpinion • 14588 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Progressivism Regulation Economic Theory Political critique
  1. Critics of the book 'Abundance' often haven't read it and misunderstand its ideas. Instead of addressing the arguments, they focus on insulting the authors.
  2. The backlash against 'Abundance' seems to stem from its author Ezra Klein's influence rather than the book's actual content. Some progressives feel threatened by a shift in focus towards empowering the government.
  3. One critic, Sandeep Vaheesan, does engage with the book but misinterprets its core arguments. He points out that while 'Abundance' suggests empowering the government, it doesn't clearly outline the specific actions needed to achieve that.

Why I Am A No On A Strategic CryptoCurrency Reserve And You Should Be Too

Points And Figures • 426 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🔮 Crypto Investing Regulation Market Trends Blockchain Financial Policy
  1. Not all ideas are worthwhile, especially when it comes to the government getting involved in cryptocurrencies. This idea might just be popular with some groups, but it ignores the complexities of the crypto world.
  2. Cryptocurrencies are very volatile and their value can change quickly. Relying on them can be risky, as they might not be a stable store of value.
  3. The government shouldn't hold cryptocurrency because it could interfere with market competition. Instead of helping, it might end up benefiting certain established cryptocurrencies and stifling innovation.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Actuarial Examinations

Doomberg • 17538 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Nuclear Energy Regulation Government oversight Public Safety
  1. The U.S. nuclear energy sector has struggled since the 1970s due to regulatory changes that focused more on safety than on promoting nuclear energy. This shift caused a significant slowdown in the construction of new reactors.
  2. The Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model treats all radiation exposure as harmful, preventing advancements in nuclear medicine and technology, which could potentially save millions of lives.
  3. Recent moves by the Trump administration aim to change how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission operates, promoting faster building of new nuclear power plants and enhancing energy production to match other countries like China.

The Hidden Constraints on HOT Lanes

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Regulation Economics Infrastructure
  1. HOT lanes have strict rules to keep traffic moving, like needing to maintain a minimum speed. If the lanes are too slow, the company operating them can face financial penalties.
  2. The profit for companies managing HOT lanes can be limited because they have to share excess earnings with the government once they reach certain profit levels. This makes them less likely to take risks.
  3. Even though these lanes are better than regular roads, government rules still make them less efficient. There are many ideas for improvements that aren't being tried, like charging tolls during busy times.

Some Regulatory Certainty

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🔮 Crypto Regulation Innovation Investment Market Trends Financial Technology
  1. The SEC has decided that crypto memecoins are not considered securities, giving the industry more regulatory clarity. This is a positive change compared to the confusion that existed before.
  2. While crypto hasn't become essential for everyone's daily life yet, there are potential future uses, like tokenizing assets or using stablecoins for easier international payments.
  3. Regulation can sometimes create unfair advantages for big companies and stifle competition. It's important to be aware of these effects while also ensuring that people aren't misled by things like memecoins.

The Paris AI Anti-Safety Summit

Don't Worry About the Vase • 4390 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI safety International relations Policy Analysis Regulation Public Perception
  1. The recent Paris AI Summit shifted focus away from safety and risk management, favoring economic opportunities instead. Many leaders downplayed potential dangers of advanced AI.
  2. International cooperation on AI safety has weakened, with past agreements being ignored. This leaves little room for developing effective safety regulations as AI technologies rapidly evolve.
  3. The emphasis on voluntary commitments from companies may not be enough to ensure safety. Experts believe a more structured regulatory framework is needed to address serious risks associated with AI.

AI #103: Show Me the Money

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2374 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Data Innovation Automation Regulation
  1. The Paris AI Anti-Safety Summit failed to build on previous successes, leading to increased concerns about nationalism and lack of clear plans for AI safety. It's making people worried and hopeless.
  2. Elon Musk's huge bid for OpenAI's assets complicates the situation, especially as another bid threatens to overshadow the original efforts to secure AI's future.
  3. OpenAI is quickly releasing new versions of their models, which brings excitement but also skepticism about their true capabilities and risks.

The NRC's Abuse of PRA

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Government Public Policy Compliance Energy
  1. The NRC claims to calculate the probability of a release using PRA, but this is misleading. They only look at certain paths and ignore many other possible scenarios.
  2. There are countless ways a release could happen, and focusing only on a few higher probability paths does not guarantee safety.
  3. The core issue isn't the method of reliability analysis itself, but how the NRC misuses it in their approach.

the planning trap: when more means less

Brain Pizza • 331 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Regulation Psychology Social Issues Crisis Management
  1. Sometimes, trying to plan too much can actually lead to fewer good outcomes. Less can be more when it comes to effective planning.
  2. Smart regulations can help improve housing systems that are not working well. Finding simple solutions might be the key to fixing these complex problems.
  3. Looking at local housing issues can reveal lessons that apply everywhere. Solving problems in one area can help others too.

Stablecoin Wildcat-Bank Roulette: The Genius Act Gambles with America’s Money

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 292 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
💰 Finance Banking Investments Cryptocurrency Regulation Economy
  1. Congress is considering allowing companies to create their own currencies through stablecoins, which could lead to financial chaos like what happened in the past.
  2. There are concerns that regulators may struggle to manage the many stablecoins that could flood the market, posing a risk to the economy.
  3. Instead of issuing more currencies, a better approach might be to adopt practices from the European Union to focus on reducing fees and helping consumers without overloading regulators.

The Formula for the Future

Faster, Please! • 1096 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Innovation Economy Technology Progress
  1. America's future depends on three key things: strong information processing, abundant energy, and economic freedom. These elements can help society grow and innovate.
  2. Regulatory barriers often slow down progress and innovation. To keep moving forward, it's important to take calculated risks instead of playing it safe.
  3. Embracing technology and overcoming bureaucracy can create a cycle of improvement. More energy and innovation can lead to a better future for everyone.

The CFPB Has Entered the Chat: Is A Synapse "Bailout" In the Cards?

Fintech Business Weekly • 44 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
💰 Finance Regulation Consumer Protection Banking Payments Fintech
  1. The CFPB is involved in a bankruptcy case for Synapse, which could lead to financial relief for depositors who lost money. They may use a fund designed to help consumers if they win a judgment against Synapse.
  2. Paddle had to pay a $5 million fine for its role in enabling tech support scams that tricked consumers, especially the elderly. Now, Paddle is banned from processing payments for such deceptive businesses.
  3. MoneyGram settled for $250,000 after allegations of mishandling customer money transfers. They must now follow consumer protection laws better to ensure timely transactions and accurate information.

The Facebook scam economy

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2776 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🕹 Technology Social media Cybercrime Advertising Privacy Regulation
  1. Meta platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, are dealing with a huge problem of scams, with many advertisers promoting them. This is partly due to the rise of cryptocurrency and AI.
  2. Despite employees reporting these scams, Meta has been slow to act because they prioritize ad revenue over user safety. They allow scammers to continue operating for too long before taking action.
  3. Scams on Facebook are affecting vulnerable people, including workers in Southeast Asia who are often trapped in abusive conditions. This brings up serious concerns about the ethics of the platform's operations.

Behind the Curtain of the New CDC Panel on Vaccines

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Policy Medical Ethics Regulation
  1. The new CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been completely restructured with new members, who are experienced in vaccine development. This change aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to vaccine policies.
  2. There has been intense criticism of the new committee's decisions, indicating that no group involved was fully satisfied with the outcomes. This highlights how complex and contentious vaccine discussions can be.
  3. The upcoming interviews and discussions aim to clarify the committee’s decisions and show that they are dedicated to transparency and public health, rather than just following corporate interests.

Bureaucracy Isn't Measured In Bureaucrats

Astral Codex Ten • 32830 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bureaucracy Regulation Government Policy Legislation
  1. Bureaucracy isn't just about the number of workers; even fewer bureaucrats might not speed up processes if the rules remain the same. Cutting the number of workers could actually slow down operations instead of helping.
  2. Many bureaucratic processes take a long time because of legal needs and mandates set by Congress. Even if you fire some bureaucrats, the steps required to approve things won't change, resulting in delays.
  3. Instead of reducing the number of bureaucrats, the focus should be on cutting unnecessary rules or red tape to make things run faster. Some models have shown success in decreasing regulations by reevaluating what's necessary.

FDA approves Pfizer drugs with inadequate safety and efficacy data, and then regulators work for Pfizer

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 180 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Regulation Public Health Corruption Pharmaceuticals
  1. FDA approvals for Pfizer drugs may not have enough safety and effectiveness data. This raises concerns about the reliability of the drugs available to the public.
  2. There is a pattern of FDA regulators moving to jobs at pharmaceutical companies after approving their products. This can create a conflict of interest and lead to questions about transparency.
  3. The system seems designed to favor big pharmaceutical companies rather than prioritize patient safety and well-being. This indicates a troubling relationship between regulators and the companies they oversee.

A Letter to Elon

Gordian Knot News • 461 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Energy Science Public Policy
  1. The Hanford Reservation is wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on cleanup efforts that don't actually reduce radiation. The cleanup costs could reach up to $600 billion without making real progress.
  2. The Low Dose Hypothesis (LNT) is questioned because it's believed that our bodies have strong systems to repair damage from radiation. Many people think LNT isn't necessarily true and might even be outdated.
  3. If a new, more accurate model for radiation harm was used, it could save money and allow for cheaper and safer nuclear power. This change could help nuclear energy reach its full potential.

On the OpenAI Economic Blueprint

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2732 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Economics Regulation Security
  1. OpenAI's Economic Blueprint emphasizes the need for collaboration between AI companies and the government to share resources and set standards. This can help ensure AI development benefits everyone.
  2. There are various proposals to make AI safer and more helpful, like creating better training for AI developers and working with law enforcement to prevent misuse of technology.
  3. The document also reveals a strong desire from OpenAI to avoid strict regulations on their practices, while seeking more government funding and support for their initiatives.

Your memecoin is your slush fund

Noahpinion • 25529 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Digital Assets Speculation Market Trends Regulation Investment Strategies
  1. Memecoins like TRUMP and MELANIA are seen as a way to make money without the usual transactions. They can allow people to support political figures while avoiding direct payments.
  2. These coins do not have the same respect as traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Many believe they could harm the overall reputation of crypto, as they mainly serve speculative purposes.
  3. Buying these memecoins could be a form of legal corruption, allowing individuals to give money to leaders or celebrities while disguising the true nature of the transaction, similar to a bribe.

The executive order Trump should sign: AI watermarks

The Intrinsic Perspective • 15413 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Executive orders AI Policy Elections Public Trust
  1. AI watermarks are important to ensure that AI outputs can be traced. This helps distinguish real content from that generated by bots, supporting the integrity of human communication.
  2. Watermarking can help prevent abuse of AI in areas like education and politics. It allows for accountability, so that if AI is used maliciously, it can be tracked back to its source.
  3. Implementing watermarking doesn't limit how AI companies work or their freedom. Instead, it promotes transparency and protects public trust in systems influenced by AI.

The Dirty Trick Health Insurers Are Playing That You Don’t Know About

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1199 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Regulation Consumer Rights Healthcare Costs Health Reform
  1. Health insurers use a measurement called the medical loss ratio (MLR) to determine how much of your premiums go to actual medical care versus overhead costs. They should spend at least 80-85% on care, but many find sneaky ways to get around this.
  2. Big insurance companies manipulate what counts as 'quality improvement' to make it look like they're spending more on healthcare than they actually are. They might include things like software upgrades or marketing instead of just patient care.
  3. By buying up doctors' offices and clinics, insurers can steer patients to their own services without MLR rules applying. This way, they keep more money for themselves instead of lowering premiums or improving coverage for you.

Economics Links, 6/2/2025

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
💰 Finance Macroeconomics Regulation Cryptocurrency Banking Policy
  1. Closing the FCC could be beneficial, as it often invents new reasons to exist. Some of its functions could be better managed by other government departments.
  2. Trump's idea to make Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae public while keeping government guarantees could lead to problems. This could mean private companies profit while taxpayers take on the risks.
  3. There's some hope in the economy as service costs are stabilizing, suggesting capitalism might be doing better than thought. This could mean a brighter future for the middle class.

Things I wish the left got about economics

Philosophy bear • 801 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Public Policy Regulation Social justice Government
  1. The left should focus on offering positive solutions to economic problems, rather than just criticizing the existing system. Proposals need to be practical and beneficial in real life.
  2. Understanding key economic concepts, like public goods and externalities, is crucial. This knowledge helps in crafting effective policies and regulations.
  3. It's important to recognize that regulations aren't free solutions and need thoughtful design and expertise. A well-organized government can make these regulations work better for society.

🏗️ Permitting ourselves to build: A Quick Q&A with … energy policy expert James Coleman

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Regulation Energy Policy Judicial Review
  1. Building infrastructure in America has become very slow and difficult mainly due to environmental regulations like the National Environmental Policy Act. These rules, which were made to protect the environment, now often delay important projects for years.
  2. Many energy projects are stuck in regulatory and court processes, making it hard to shift to cleaner energy sources. Reforming these regulations could help speed up the development of clean energy initiatives.
  3. Judicial reviews and the ability of courts to issue injunctions often hold up projects unnecessarily. There needs to be a limit on how long these reviews can take to encourage investment in new infrastructure.

At least five interesting things: Red Tape edition (#57)

Noahpinion • 15706 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Tariffs Deregulation Policy Analysis Economic issues
  1. Environmental review laws like NEPA slow down development and can lead to unnecessary delays and high costs, affecting infrastructure projects.
  2. Jimmy Carter's legacy of deregulation is remembered as a way to navigate some current regulatory barriers and foster economic growth.
  3. Targeted tariffs are more effective than broad tariffs in managing imports and trade deficits, and there's new evidence that the Trump administration is shifting towards this approach.

The current AI strategic landscape: one bear's perspective

Philosophy bear • 178 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Regulation Public Opinion Corporate Influence
  1. AI ethicists and safety advocates are starting to work together more, which could strengthen their efforts against risks from AI. This is a positive shift towards a unified approach.
  2. Many people are worried about the threats posed by AI and want more rules to manage it. However, big companies and some governments are pushing for quicker AI development instead of more safety.
  3. To really get people's attention on AI issues, something big might need to happen first, like job losses or a major political shift. It’s important to be ready to act when that moment comes.

Notes From The Progress Studies Conference

Astral Codex Ten • 23813 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Energy Innovation AI Regulation Progress
  1. Progress Studies is a new field aimed at understanding and improving human progress. It's seen as important despite some initial pushback, similar to how other social studies emerged.
  2. Solar energy is rapidly improving and could become very cheap, making it a major player in addressing energy needs. Advances in solar and storage technology are seen as key to a more sustainable future.
  3. Regulations are often seen as a barrier to progress in various sectors, from energy to housing. Many attendees at the conference believe smarter regulation could greatly enhance innovation and development.

California Lawmakers Admit Their Plastic Bag Ban Backfired

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 257 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Regulation Legislation Public Health
  1. California's ban on plastic bags didn't work as planned. Instead of reducing waste, plastic bag trash increased significantly.
  2. When states copy California's ban, they often see similar problems, like using more heavy-duty plastic bags that aren't recycled properly.
  3. New policies can have unexpected effects, like increased energy use from washing reusable bags, which might lead to health issues if not maintained correctly.

✨⚡ Can we actually build Stargate?

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure Regulation Investment Jobs
  1. A big project called Stargate aims to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the U.S. This could create over 100,000 jobs and involves building large data centers.
  2. There are concerns about whether the funding will be available, particularly from one of the investors, SoftBank. This skepticism raises doubts about the project's financial backing.
  3. The biggest challenge for Stargate might be the complicated federal permitting and regulatory processes. These rules could delay construction and impact the project's success.

At least five interesting things: Nerdy economics edition (#54)

Noahpinion • 16529 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Taxation Health care Regulation Productivity
  1. The Destination-Based Cash Flow Tax (DBCFT) could help companies invest more and boost U.S. exports. It changes how corporate taxes work, making it easier for companies to grow and innovate.
  2. Construction productivity in the U.S. has been dropping, partly due to strict land-use regulations. These rules lead to smaller, less efficient construction firms, which impacts how quickly and effectively projects are completed.
  3. Not all so-called 'irrational' decisions people make are true mistakes; sometimes, it's just that the choices are too complex. We need to rethink how we view human decision-making in economics.

Everything I warned about in Taming Silicon Valley is rapidly becoming our reality

Marcus on AI • 7114 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Regulation Innovation Cybersecurity Ethics
  1. Tech companies are becoming very powerful and are often not regulated enough, which is a concern.
  2. People are worried about the risks of AI, like misinformation and bias, but governments seem too close to tech companies.
  3. It's important for citizens to speak up about how AI is used, as it could have serious negative effects on society.

On Mark Zuckerberg's Speech Announcement

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11159 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Regulation Social media International relations
  1. Mark Zuckerberg's call for free speech suggests a conflict between the U.S. and other countries over censorship laws. This highlights the challenges tech companies face globally.
  2. Zuckerberg believes the U.S. has a strong foundation for free expression, but countries like Europe and China are enforcing more censorship. This creates a tough environment for innovation.
  3. The recent changes in speech laws and agreements may lead to more battles over free expression. Zuckerberg's insights indicate that discussions on these topics are becoming more urgent.

Law Wars

Doomberg • 8057 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Environment Energy Regulation Corporate Governance
  1. ExxonMobil is working on a new way to recycle plastic that turns trash into useful materials. They are investing a lot of money to increase this recycling ability.
  2. California's Attorney General is suing ExxonMobil, claiming they misled people about recycling plastics. This lawsuit has sparked a lot of debate about the truth behind recycling claims.
  3. ExxonMobil has also sued the Attorney General and environmental groups, saying they are being unfairly accused and that their actions are harming the company's reputation.

Circle and Chime Post-IPO Pops Suggest We’re Off to the Races

Fintech Business Weekly • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💰 Finance Investing Banking Cryptocurrency Market Trends Regulation
  1. Circle and Chime recently went public, and their early trading performance suggests a strong market interest in fintech companies right now.
  2. Circle makes most of its money from interest on reserves, but predicting short-term rates is really tricky, which could impact its future performance.
  3. Coinbase has introduced a new credit card that offers users the chance to earn Bitcoin back on purchases, showing how the crypto market is expanding with exciting product options.

The end of lead

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Toxicology Regulation
  1. Lead exposure has serious health risks, especially for children, causing problems like high blood pressure and cognitive issues.
  2. Efforts to reduce lead in environments, like banning leaded gasoline and paint, have made significant progress but there are ongoing challenges in poorer countries.
  3. We already have solutions to eliminate lead exposure; we just need to implement them globally, especially by regulating sources like cosmetics and battery recycling.

An Athenian Odyssey

Net Interest • 13 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💰 Finance Banking Investing Economics Regulation Market Trends
  1. Greek banks faced huge challenges after a financial crisis, losing most of their market value and seeing many loans go unpaid.
  2. Despite a tough recovery process, the Greek economy is growing again, and banks are starting to regain investor confidence.
  3. A transformation is underway in Greece, with international banks showing interest in investing, which reflects a healthier banking system.

25 AI Predictions for 2025, from Marcus on AI

Marcus on AI • 8181 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Predictions Safety Regulation
  1. In 2025, we still won't have genius-level AI like 'artificial general intelligence,' despite ongoing hype. Many experts believe it is still a long way off.
  2. Profits from AI companies are likely to stay low or nonexistent. However, companies that make the hardware for AI, like chips, will continue to do well.
  3. Generative AI will keep having problems, like making mistakes and being inconsistent, which will hold back its reliability and wide usage.