The hottest Regulation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

From ‘Defund the Police’ to ‘Defund Air Traffic Control.’

Breaking the News • 923 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Safety Regulation Aviation
  1. The recent crash-landing of a commuter jet in Toronto didn't directly result from any recent layoffs, but future safety may be at risk due to those layoffs.
  2. Air traffic controllers and other safety professionals provide crucial oversight for safe flying. Reducing their numbers can lead to overlooked issues and potential disasters.
  3. Understanding the importance of air safety is vital. Cuts to safety teams, like those happening now, can endanger everyone who flies.

Exclusive: Amazon's new James Bond script

Read Max • 2529 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Regulation Cryptocurrency Media
  1. Amazon now has creative control over the James Bond franchise, which worries some fans about the future direction of the films. There's a concern that Bond might lose its unique identity under a corporate-driven approach.
  2. There’s a growing debate about the rise of cryptocurrency and the potential risks involved, especially as many people have been hurt by scams. Some politicians may benefit from supporting crypto now but might need to shift to stricter regulations in the future.
  3. Many young men are investing in cryptocurrencies, aligning more with pro-crypto views, which is creating a challenge for Democrats who don't support crypto. If a market crash happens, this supportive group might quickly turn against it.

Top Links 653 How US asset managers are muscling into Europe. Japan restarts its reactors. Who buys guns? Mexico's energy revolution.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investment Economics Global Markets Regulation Energy
  1. US asset managers are starting to play a bigger role in Europe, which could change the market dynamics there.
  2. Japan is bringing its nuclear reactors back online, impacting energy policies and production.
  3. There's a growing discussion about who is buying guns, which raises questions about safety and regulations.

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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Paris AI Summit Train Wreck

Marcus on AI • 3003 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Regulation Events Global Issues Public Policy
  1. The Paris AI Summit did not meet expectations and left many attendees unhappy for various reasons. People felt that it was poorly organized.
  2. A draft statement prepared for the summit was criticized, with concerns that it would let leaders avoid making real commitments to addressing AI risks. Many believed it was more of a PR move than genuine action.
  3. Despite the chaos, French President Macron seemed to be the only one enjoying the situation. Overall, many felt it was a missed opportunity to discuss important AI issues.

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.

It Had Been 16 Years Since a Fatal US Airlines Crash.

Breaking the News • 3963 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📰 News Aviation Accidents Safety Regulation Transportation
  1. There was a tragic collision between a regional jet and a military helicopter over the Potomac River, marking the first fatal airline crash in the U.S. in 16 years.
  2. The area around major airports is tightly controlled, but something went wrong this time that allowed the two aircraft to come into conflict.
  3. Changes to aviation safety regulations, like disbanding key advisory groups, could have long-term effects on air travel safety in the future.

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

Noahpinion • 15706 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Tariffs 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

It’s Not Just Red Dye No. 3. It’s All Our Stuff.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Food Safety Public Health Regulation Consumer Rights Toxicology
  1. The FDA recently banned Red Dye No. 3 due to concerns about its link to thyroid cancer in animals. It's a small victory, but there are many other potentially harmful additives still being used.
  2. Red Dye No. 3 will likely be replaced by Red Dye No. 40, which also has warnings about its effects on children in Europe. This shows that simply switching one dye for another isn't a true solution.
  3. There is a growing concern that synthetic dyes are just a small part of a larger problem with harmful chemicals in our food and products. It's important for consumers to demand safer options.

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.

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.

America’s Air-Traffic Control System Is an International Disgrace

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1048 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Aviation Infrastructure Safety
  1. America's air-traffic control system is outdated and struggling, with too few controllers using old technology.
  2. Recent incidents highlight the mismanagement and dangers of the air traffic system, showing it has become one of the worst in the developed world.
  3. In comparison to systems in other countries like Canada, America's methods feel very outdated and inefficient.

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.

BREAKING: Politician Gives Good Speech

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 361 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Artificial Intelligence Regulation Public Policy
  1. Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech at the AI Action Summit in Paris, which surprised many people who don't expect politicians to speak well.
  2. He warned about the dangers of overregulating artificial intelligence, highlighting the importance of keeping it free from strict rules.
  3. This speech stood out because it's rare to hear a politician articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively on such a complex topic.

I'll Take the Crypto Industry Seriously When Its Biggest Advocates Stop Saying "What Did You Expect?"

Freddie deBoer • 8384 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investments Regulation Scams Media
  1. The crypto industry has a problem with accepting responsibility for scams and fraud. Many people in the community brush off losses with a 'what did you expect?' attitude, which doesn't help their credibility.
  2. A serious industry should focus on cleaning up its image and ensuring accountability. If crypto enthusiasts want people to take their industry seriously, they need to demand better practices.
  3. If the crypto culture continues to mock victims of scams, it risks pushing more people towards stricter regulations. This could hurt the industry in the long run.

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.

Humanity’s “Oh shit!” AI moment?

Marcus on AI • 6639 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Cybersecurity Ethics Regulation
  1. AI systems can say one thing and do another, which makes them unreliable. It’s important not to trust their words too blindly.
  2. The increasing power of AI could lead to significant risks, especially if misused by bad actors. We might see more cybercrime driven by these technologies soon.
  3. Delaying regulation on AI increases the risks we face. There is a growing need for rules to keep these powerful tools in check.

Making the U.S. the home for open-source AI

Democratizing Automation • 451 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Development Open Source Regulation Innovation
  1. Open-source AI is important for a future where many people can help build and use AI. But creating a strong open-source AI ecosystem is really challenging and expensive.
  2. Countries like the U.S. and China are rushing to create their own open-source AI models. National pride and ensuring safety and security in technology are big motivators behind this push.
  3. Restricting AI models could backfire and give control to other countries. Keeping models open and available allows for better collaboration and innovation among users.

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.

Hard-forked! Casey Newton’s distorted portrait of Gary Marcus and AI skepticism

Marcus on AI • 6679 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Data Ethics Tech Policy Regulation
  1. We need to prepare for AI to become more dangerous than it is now. Even if some experts think its progress might slow, it's important to have safety measures in place just in case.
  2. AI doesn't always perform as promised and can be unreliable or harmful. It's already causing issues like misinformation and bias, which means we should be cautious about its use.
  3. AI skepticism is a valid and important perspective. It's fair for people to question the role of AI in society and to discuss how it can be better managed.

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.

Two visions of AI’s future

Marcus on AI • 4387 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Future Ethics Regulation Society
  1. AI has two possible futures: one where it causes problems for society and another where it helps improve lives. It's important for us to think about which future we want.
  2. If AI is not controlled or regulated, it might lead to a situation where only the rich benefit, creating more social issues.
  3. We have the chance to develop better AI that is safe and fair, but we need to actively work towards that goal to avoid harmful outcomes.

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.

MAHA- Populism to Policy

Who is Robert Malone • 15 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Policy Health Government Regulation
  1. Populism focuses on the divide between the ordinary people and the corrupt elites. It's important for political movements to transform people's frustrations into real policy changes.
  2. MAHA, which promotes health, aims to improve American health within 12-18 months but must balance regulations and individual freedoms to avoid becoming too controlling.
  3. There are ongoing debates about the role of government in personal health choices, like dietary habits and medical decisions. Finding the right balance between public health and individual rights is crucial.

🏗️ 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
  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.

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.