The hottest Regulation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

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.

What if tanker crew deaths are intolerable?

Gordian Knot News • 783 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Regulation Manufacturing Safety Productivity
  1. When building ships, having clear rules helps keep everything running smoothly. If everyone knows the guidelines, they can work together to create quality ships on time.
  2. Bringing in third parties like the Ocean Safety Directorate can disrupt the process. Their focus on preventing accidents leads to extra paperwork and slowed productivity.
  3. If the rules are too strict or unclear, it can result in delays and lower quality. Maintaining a balance between safety and efficiency is key to successful shipbuilding.

Labor Laundering

Doomberg • 6490 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💼 Business Supply Chain Global Trade Regulation Labor Rights Corporate ethics
  1. Many electronic devices use cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where child labor is often involved in mining. This makes it hard for companies to claim their supply chains are free from issues.
  2. China plays a major role in the solar panel supply chain, often using polysilicon that comes from regions known for forced labor. This creates challenges in ensuring products are ethically sourced.
  3. The EU has introduced a law aimed at holding companies accountable for labor and environmental standards, but this could lead to conflicts, such as threats from Qatar to stop gas exports if they face penalties.

Did Google, Facebook, and Amazon Endorse Jim Crow?

BIG by Matt Stoller • 25210 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Monopoly Antitrust Regulation Civil Rights First Amendment
  1. The Supreme Court is currently considering a case involving tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon and the question of whether economic regulations for these platforms are unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
  2. The case has broad societal implications, touching on antitrust, privacy, civil rights, and speech liability claims against big tech firms. The argument raised questions about the extent of tech companies' rights to make decisions like racial segregation or account deletions based on political views.
  3. The case illustrates how the influence of Robert Bork, a conservative antitrust lawyer, has shaped modern American corporate state, particularly the broad support for a society run by big tech, challenging the traditional role of democratically elected officials in regulating private tech platforms.
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The RedNote honeymoon won't last

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4986 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Apps User Behavior Data Privacy Regulation
  1. RedNote, a new app, is gaining popularity as users look for alternatives to TikTok. It focuses on social shopping and creating content about products.
  2. Despite its rapid rise, RedNote might struggle long-term because it has a language barrier and isn't as globally popular as TikTok.
  3. As users enjoy RedNote now, conflicts may arise as happens on most social media platforms. This could change users' perceptions of the app over time.

Why is INPO a far better regulator than the NRC?

Gordian Knot News • 146 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nuclear policy Regulation Legislation
  1. INPO is better at regulating nuclear plants than the NRC because it focuses on practical safety and shares best practices among plants. This leads to higher safety standards and improved performance across the industry.
  2. However, INPO has issues because it is too focused on avoiding lawsuits and is controlled by big utility companies, which can lead to inefficiencies. It doesn't really have to compete with others, making it more bureaucratic.
  3. To improve regulation, some suggest that INPO should report directly to insurers and allow plants to choose their inspection services. Making the system more competitive can help reduce costs and make nuclear energy more viable.

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.

Why You Shouldn't Worry about AI Taking Jobs

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3291 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Labor Economy Growth Regulation
  1. Many jobs we have today are not really necessary and could be replaced by AI. This is because some jobs exist due to government rules or old systems that don't make much sense anymore.
  2. People generally prefer human interaction over machines, especially in industries like hospitality, art, and healthcare. Humans provide a unique value that machines can't replicate, making these jobs safer from replacement.
  3. Even if AI takes many jobs, our economy is expected to grow significantly, which can help support those out of work through wealth redistribution. Governments have the ability to provide for everyone, even if many people end up jobless.

Milton Friedman’s Weird Abolition List

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economic Theory Public Finance Regulation
  1. Milton Friedman suggested abolishing certain government policies he viewed as unnecessary. Some of these policies include price supports for agriculture and minimum wage laws.
  2. He believed that many interventions weren't justified by their outcomes, indicating a need for less government control in various sectors.
  3. Friedman's focus was on promoting free-market principles, but his priorities differed from contemporary issues, revealing changes in the economy and regulation over time.

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.

⚡️ When Jimmy Carter proposed his own DOGE

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Deregulation Energy Policy Environmental Policy Historical Analysis
  1. Jimmy Carter's administration pushed for deregulation in industries like airlines and trucking to boost the economy. The goal was to make it easier for businesses to operate and compete.
  2. The Energy Mobilization Board was proposed to speed up energy project approvals, but it faced backlash from environmentalists and various interest groups. They were concerned it could weaken environmental protections.
  3. Carter's ideas for energy reform highlighted a struggle between meeting energy needs and protecting the environment. Ultimately, the board was rejected, showcasing the challenges of balancing these competing interests.

A Power Grab by the Court

The Status Kuo • 11910 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Regulation Conservatism
  1. The Supreme Court case challenges the 'Chevron Doctrine' and could potentially shift regulatory power to judges.
  2. Conservative justices on the Supreme Court seem ready to overturn the established 'Chevron Doctrine' that's been in place for 40 years.
  3. Overruling the 'Chevron Doctrine' could lead to judicial activism, with impact on regulatory powers and potential legal chaos.

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.

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.

✨☢ A (pricey) Manhattan Project for AI Safety?

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI safety Regulation Innovation Research Security
  1. AI safety may require a huge investment, like $250 billion, to ensure we can manage its risks effectively. This is much more than what was spent on the atomic bomb during World War II.
  2. Researchers believe that speeding up technological progress can actually help reduce risks from advanced AI. The idea is that the faster we move forward, the less time we have for potential dangers to develop.
  3. Many experts suggest that the U.S. government might need to take charge of AI development to ensure safety and security, creating a major project similar to the Manhattan Project. This would involve merging AI labs and improving defenses against foreign threats.

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.

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.

February 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Regulation Elections Public Opinion
  1. After WWII, most Americans wanted more government involvement to support businesses and civil rights, but some groups pushed against this idea. They argued that helping minorities was unfair to hardworking white taxpayers.
  2. Many voters still support government programs like Social Security and education, despite claims of government waste and inefficiency. Polls show a majority believe the U.S. should spend more on these services.
  3. Recent federal job cuts, ordered by Trump and Musk, are impacting vital programs, including those that help farmers and healthcare. This could hurt many supporters, especially in Republican areas that rely on these services.

AI #89: Trump Card

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1881 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Policy Innovation Regulation Infrastructure
  1. Trump's potential return to office could change AI policy significantly. He plans to revoke existing regulations but may not have a clear replacement, which could impact the tech landscape.
  2. Language models are becoming more important in everyday tasks, but they also face challenges. While they improve productivity, they can also lead to decreased job satisfaction for users.
  3. There is growing concern about AI's influence on politics and decision-making. Studies show that AI models can affect voters' opinions, highlighting the need for caution in how they are used.

The Illusory Learning Curve

Gordian Knot News • 241 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Nuclear power Engineering Regulation Productivity Manufacturing
  1. There is not much of a learning curve when building ships or power plants. Each project is unique, so little efficiency is gained from past projects.
  2. Regulation plays a big role in increasing costs for nuclear power plants, making them expensive to build. Regulations can limit the benefits of any learning curve.
  3. Despite claims of future savings, history shows that costs for nuclear plants often do not decrease significantly with experience. The actual savings are minimal.

Understanding Iron

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1997 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Metabolism Disease Regulation
  1. Iron levels inside cells can be misunderstood, leading to confusion between deficiency and overload, especially for those with certain gene variants.
  2. Neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive issues could be linked to iron levels being too low or too high, affecting dopamine and myelin synthesis.
  3. Understanding the complexities of iron metabolism can help in interpreting lab data and making informed decisions to address iron-related problems effectively.

🚀 What did they take from us, exactly?

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Regulation Progress Digital Economics
  1. Innovation has faced many challenges due to strict regulations and negative attitudes towards progress. This has slowed down our technological advancements and kept us from realizing exciting future possibilities.
  2. There were two major periods of optimism in history that drove technology forward—after World War II and during the digital revolution. During these times, people felt hopeful and invested in new ideas and inventions.
  3. To bring back that spirit of progress, we need to focus on supporting innovation and overcoming barriers that limit potential. It's important to keep believing in a better, more advanced future.

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.

How to Regulate Social Media

Erik Explores • 61 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Algorithms Moderation Regulation Ethics
  1. Social media algorithms often promote extreme or divisive content to keep users engaged, which is harmful. Creating ethics boards to oversee these algorithms could help focus on more positive and informative content instead.
  2. Moderation of social media content does not always balance free speech with the need to prevent harmful misinformation. It's important to have clear processes for content removal and to empower users in the moderation process.
  3. Users need better tools to evaluate and discuss opinions without just liking or disliking them. A system that rewards thoughtful, respectful discussions can shape healthier online interactions.

American Decel

Future History • 130 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Economic Growth Innovation Regulation Populism
  1. America has slowed down in innovation and growth due to strict regulations and negative ideas about technology. This has made people fearful of the future.
  2. To improve, we need to encourage building and investment in new technologies, especially in clean energy and manufacturing. This will create jobs and a better quality of life.
  3. Education should focus on hands-on learning and critical thinking rather than just memorizing facts. This will prepare future generations to tackle problems creatively.

The Death-Strewn Backstory of Big Supplement

The Vajenda • 6151 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Supplements Regulation Safety concerns Efficacy Marketing
  1. Supplements in the United States have a history of being unregulated and potentially dangerous due to a lack of oversight and testing.
  2. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 removed regulations, allowing for the sale of supplements without proof of safety or efficacy.
  3. Buying supplements is like buying gas from a guy on the side of the road - there's little to no assurance of what you're actually getting or its effects on your health.

AI Roundup 105: AI Action Summit

Artificial Ignorance • 54 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Regulation Innovation Geopolitics Research
  1. AI regulation is slowing down as countries disagree on how to move forward. Some leaders are critical of existing acts, leading to a lack of international agreement.
  2. China is pushing ahead in an AI arms race, pushing other countries to provide more resources for AI development. Leaders in the industry are predicting rapid advancements in AI, suggesting it might drastically change society soon.
  3. Big tech companies are making strategic partnerships and adjustments to survive in the competitive AI landscape. For example, Apple plans to work with Alibaba for AI in China while other firms are focusing on custom AI designs to reduce dependency on major chip manufacturers.

What’s Next For DeFi

DeFi Education • 719 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🔮 Crypto Decentralization Blockchain Finance Regulation Investing
  1. DeFi, or decentralized finance, allows people to access financial services directly over the internet without needing banks. This is exciting because it can reduce costs and frustrations from traditional banking.
  2. Many people still view DeFi as complicated or risky due to past scams. However, there's a growing acceptance from governments and institutions that could help improve its image.
  3. The future of DeFi looks promising as big companies start to embrace its technology. It’s important for people to learn about DeFi now since it will likely become a key part of the financial system in the coming years.

Rich businessmen have remembered they're Republicans

Slow Boring • 5051 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Banking Election Policy Business
  1. Biden administration announced new regulatory caps on overdraft fees to protect consumers from financial exploitation.
  2. CEOs like Jamie Dimon are more concerned with business-friendly regulations for profit than political ideologies.
  3. The Biden administration's stance on bank regulation highlights a shift in priorities from the Trump era.

The Tech Industry’s Playbook To Prevent Regulation

After Babel • 647 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media Regulation Corporate Responsibility Child safety Legislation
  1. The tech industry often blames users for any harm their products cause. They argue that it's up to individuals to control their usage rather than taking responsibility themselves.
  2. Tech companies have developed tools like parental controls, but these often fail to make a real impact on screen time. Instead, they shift the responsibility to parents, making it seem like it's their job to manage their kids' online behavior.
  3. Legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) tries to hold tech companies accountable while also giving parents some control. This is important because it recognizes that tech companies have a duty to ensure their products don't harm kids.

Stupid Rules For Stupid People Struck Down

Points And Figures • 639 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Regulation Investment Financial Markets Diversity
  1. NASDAQ's rule for corporate board diversity focused too much on identity instead of qualifications. It's more important to have people with varied experiences and perspectives on the board to help businesses succeed.
  2. The legal decision to revoke certain rules about private company disclosures is seen as positive. Regulations that infringe on privacy can deter companies from going public and create unnecessary barriers.
  3. Private markets should be free from excessive regulations. Investors need to keep the identities of their shareholders confidential, and government oversight can lead to more problems than it solves.

One Regulator

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💰 Finance Regulation Innovation Cryptocurrency Market structure Bureaucracy
  1. The financial market regulation in the U.S. is complicated and outdated, with many agencies like the SEC and CFTC often conflicting with each other. This can lead to innovation being stifled.
  2. There are concerns that some regulators, like Gary Gensler, may be overly controlling and negatively impact innovative companies, especially in the emerging cryptocurrency space.
  3. Many believe that simplifying the regulatory structure to have one main regulator could boost competition and innovation, but achieving this change seems very challenging.

Quaint Oak, Hatch Hit With BaaS-Related Enforcement Actions

Fintech Business Weekly • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Fintech Compliance Data Privacy
  1. Quaint Oak and Hatch Bank faced enforcement actions related to compliance with anti-money laundering laws. These actions highlight ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the banking and fintech sectors.
  2. The CFPB is supporting a challenge to the open banking rule, which could lead to significant changes in how financial data is shared. This implies that fintech companies may need to brace for new regulatory hurdles.
  3. Recent data shows many households are struggling with financial obligations, like student loans and buy now, pay later payments. This indicates a broader concern about financial stability among everyday consumers.

Q&A (July 2024 pt. 2)

DeFi Education • 459 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🔮 Crypto Market Analysis Trends Regulation
  1. July 2024 has been a very volatile month for cryptocurrencies. Many people are looking for detailed updates on the market and different sectors.
  2. The Q&A sessions are designed to help subscribers understand the current trends and insights in the crypto market.
  3. This particular post is meant for paid subscribers who want in-depth analysis and exclusive content.

Cognitive scientist Gary Marcus says AI must be regulated. He has a plan.

Marcus on AI • 3003 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Regulation Cognitive Science Policy AGI
  1. AI needs rules and regulations to keep it safe. It is important to have a plan to guide this process.
  2. There is an ongoing debate about how different regions, like the EU and US, approach AI policy. These discussions are crucial for the future of AI.
  3. Experts like Gary Marcus share insights about the challenges and possibilities of AI technology. Listening to their views helps understand AI better.

How utilities and big oil broke the economic model of offshore wind

Jérôme à Paris • 1069 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Regulation Energy Policy Market Dynamics Corporate strategy
  1. Offshore wind is struggling right now because many companies are trying to sell their projects but are facing lower prices and high costs. Competition has dropped as big companies pushed out smaller players.
  2. Big utilities tried to regain control of the market through lobbying and moving into new areas, but this led to financial misjudgments and a bubble that has now burst, causing many to exit offshore wind.
  3. Despite the current challenges, offshore wind can still be a viable energy source especially in Europe, as countries look to create fair competition and avoid barriers that exclude smaller developers.

Hessen Interior Minister announces measures to combat "unfiltered opinions" on social media, state media expert calls for the regulation of internet memes, and other insanity from the Federal Republic

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 216 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Social media Democracy Disinformation
  1. Germany's government is getting very worried about people's opinions on social media. They're planning new measures to control these 'unfiltered opinions.'
  2. There's a push to regulate internet memes, showing just how serious officials are about controlling what people can say online.
  3. Some officials believe that criticism of the public media could harm democracy, which raises concerns about free speech and the ability to discuss different viewpoints.

Really good AI would make economic management much easier (Wonkish)

Philosophy bear • 107 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Economics Regulation Labor Market
  1. Good AI could help manage the economy by making it easier to fix problems like monopolies or pollution. This means we could better control and regulate businesses to benefit everyone.
  2. If AI can do many jobs humans do now, it could save a lot of money on regulatory costs. This would make it easier for governments and companies to comply with rules and regulations.
  3. With better data and smarter tools, we could understand the costs and benefits of economic actions more clearly. This would help in making better decisions about taxes, regulations, and contracts.