The hottest Regulation Substack posts right now

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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.

The Rich and the Cheap

Bet On It • 392 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Regulation Wealth Inequality Behavioral Economics Political theory
  1. High taxes or regulations on wealthy people might not work out as planned. Just because the rich can afford it, doesn't mean they will stick around to pay it.
  2. Many wealthy individuals are also frugal. When taxed more, they might choose to earn less or stop certain activities to avoid those costs.
  3. Large companies may appear to afford extra taxes and regulations, but they can choose to cut back on what they do instead. This means the burden of such policies can end up hurting regular folks more than the rich.

Things are going even worse than I expected

The Future, Now and Then • 345 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Regulation Political theory Civil Rights
  1. Elon Musk has taken significant control over the U.S. government, causing concern among observers. His style of leadership resembles how he managed Twitter, which raises questions about legality and governance.
  2. The ability to rebuild and enforce government regulations takes time, and the current situation is making it harder for progressives to succeed. There’s a sense of lost potential for positive change.
  3. Many people feel a sense of mourning for the futures that now seem impossible. Plans and hopes for progress that once existed are now gone, and it leaves a feeling of disappointment.
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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.

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.

Debanking's Dueling Narratives

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💰 Finance Banking Cryptocurrency Regulation Policy Investment
  1. Debanking is becoming a major topic, especially around the access of crypto companies to traditional banking. This issue has been fueled by public statements from influential figures like Marc Andreessen.
  2. There are claims of political bias in banking, particularly against conservative individuals and businesses. Some people argue that banks are closing accounts for political or ideological reasons, though banks deny this.
  3. Both Republicans and Democrats recognize debanking as a significant problem, but they have different views on its causes and solutions. Democrats are pushing for protections against unfair account closures, while Republicans want legislation to ensure fair access to banking.

Regulators almost killed biotech before it began

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Regulation Innovation Pharmaceuticals History
  1. Genentech is seen as the start of the biotech field because it combined new technology with business and research. This company pioneered how biotech operates today.
  2. Regulations nearly stopped Genentech from forming, creating fears about safety and ethics in biotechnology. However, Genentech managed to navigate around these regulations and succeed.
  3. Unlike big companies, Genentech used private funding and worked in less regulated spaces. This allowed them to develop human insulin without the heavy regulatory burden faced by larger firms.

BOMBSHELL: Potential Criminal Activity Revealed in the Kroger-Albertsons Merger

BIG by Matt Stoller • 34149 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
💼 Business Mergers Antitrust Monopoly Regulation
  1. The Kroger-Albertsons merger faces challenges due to potential criminal activity discovered, leading to antitrust suits and trials to block the deal.
  2. The merger could worsen the grocery market situation with fewer stores, higher prices, and data implications for suppliers, consumers, and workers.
  3. Evidence found of Kroger and Albertsons colluding in wage suppression by avoiding hiring each other's workers, raising concerns and prompting legal action.

OSD 312: Do you remember how hyped you were to buy your first gun?

Open Source Defense • 59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Civil Rights Legal issues Public Policy
  1. Buying your first gun feels like a big deal, especially if you've never had one before. It's exciting and can feel like a major life choice.
  2. For many people, modern gun culture is still new and unknown. There are many opportunities to introduce them to this world.
  3. The future of gun culture and tech is bright. As more people get involved, there will be many amazing and innovative things created in the coming years.

EMERGENCY EDITION: AI Diffusion Export Controls

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Regulation National Security Technology International relations
  1. The Biden administration is implementing stricter rules on exporting advanced AI technology to prevent it from being misused, especially by countries like China. These rules aim to maintain the US's leadership in AI technology.
  2. There will be a new three-tier system classifying countries based on their access to AI chips, with stricter controls for adversarial nations. This affects where companies can build data centers and how easily they can deploy AI projects globally.
  3. Companies that meet verification requirements will have an easier time obtaining licenses for export. However, smaller sovereign AI projects in tier two countries may struggle to meet these requirements and might reconsider their AI investments.

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.

NIMBYs, NIMBYs, Everywhere...

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Public Policy Local government Regulation Political Debate
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My BackYard' people, can greatly influence local construction rules. They often share small complaints that add up and make building new homes really difficult.
  2. Despite a lack of major anti-construction groups, local complaints still weigh heavily on housing availability. Many areas struggle to build new homes, making prices go up for everyone.
  3. Some suggest moving authority over housing regulations to regional or national levels, but there are worries that this could cause more issues or attract stronger NIMBY opposition.

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.

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.

⚡️ When Jimmy Carter proposed his own DOGE

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation 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.

Top Links 614 Fining crypto. Peak Starbucks in China. Labour on screen. Looking glass war.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Regulation Investment Technology Market Trends Finance
  1. There are discussions about fining crypto activities and the potential impact of regulations on the market.
  2. The idea of peak Starbucks in China suggests changing consumer behaviors and economic conditions affecting global brands.
  3. The mention of 'labour on screen' hints at the evolving relationship between work and digital platforms in today's society.

China’s GenAI Content Security Standard: An Explainer

ChinaTalk • 429 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Regulation Cybersecurity Data Privacy Machine Learning
  1. China has set rules for generative AI to ensure the content it produces is safe and follows government guidelines. This means companies need to be careful about what their AI apps say and share.
  2. Developers of AI must check their data and the output carefully to avoid politically sensitive issues, as avoiding censorship is a key focus of these rules. They have to submit thorough documentation showing they comply with these standards.
  3. While these standards are not legally binding, companies often follow them closely because government inspections are strict. These regulations mainly aim at controlling politically sensitive content.

✨☢ 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.

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.

deregulating barn raising fixes this

bad cattitude • 226 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economics Disaster Recovery Regulation Public Policy
  1. Government help often doesn't work well during disasters. People usually find it more helpful to rely on local efforts and free markets instead.
  2. Price controls and regulations can hurt recovery by limiting supply and making it harder to rebuild. Higher prices actually signal that more help is needed.
  3. Bureaucratic rules can create more problems than they solve, slowing down aid and making recovery from disasters much harder for communities.

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.

Middleware Platform Solid To Wind Down, Lewis & Clark To Exit BaaS

Fintech Business Weekly • 66 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Investment Banking Regulation Legal issues
  1. Evolve Bank & Trust has faced serious legal issues, including accusations of illegal discrimination and failing to meet fiduciary responsibilities. This has raised concerns about their trustworthiness.
  2. The middleware platform Solid is shutting down, and its bank partner, Lewis & Clark, is also exiting its banking-as-a-service business. This indicates a tough environment for fintech companies.
  3. Wise has reached a settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for advertising inaccuracies and failing to disclose fees properly. This highlights ongoing scrutiny in the fintech sector regarding consumer protection.

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.

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.

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.

CBW Accuses FDIC Of Racial, Gender Discrimination; Trade Groups Support Bank’s Seventh Amendment Claim

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Investment Regulation Economics Legal issues
  1. CBW is accusing the FDIC of racial and gender discrimination in their handling of a significant penalty against the bank. They argue that their leadership has faced bias because of their backgrounds.
  2. A grand jury is investigating the situation surrounding Synapse Financial Technologies, and former employees are being subpoenaed for documents related to potential misconduct.
  3. Patriot Bank is under scrutiny from regulators and has been designated as 'troubled', which means it has to make major changes to its operations and compliance practices.

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.