The hottest Regulation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Learning from the mafia

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
💼 Business Regulation
  1. Mafia-connected firms and their accountants push effective tax rates down — clean firms in heavily infiltrated regions pay about 1% less tax on average and are 3.6% more likely to restate their tax filings.
  2. This spreads because firms share the same accountants, accounting firms reuse tricks learned from mafia clients, and honest firms feel pressured to copy aggressive tax strategies to stay competitive.
  3. The net effect is a strong incentive for many companies to cut their tax bills aggressively, which ends up costing the state a lot of money.

AI predictions for 2025

Artificial Ignorance • 126 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. In 2025, AI will focus more on improving reasoning abilities rather than just building larger models. This means smarter, more capable AI that can think through problems better.
  2. Expect personalized AI experiences to get better, with chatbots that can truly remember and learn about you. This could change how we interact with AI in our daily lives.
  3. There will likely be more AI 'agents' in workplaces, especially for customer service and sales, but many won't live up to the hype. We may see both benefits and gaps in their performance.

Quaint Oak, Hatch Hit With BaaS-Related Enforcement Actions

Fintech Business Weekly • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
💰 Finance Regulation
  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.

Learning to Let Go

Technically Optimistic • 59 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. AI is here to stay and will continue to advance rapidly.
  2. Embracing AI can lead to new insights, creativity, and strategic developments.
  3. Studying AI advancements, like in the case of AlphaGo, can deepen knowledge and change approaches in various fields.

The Problem of Cooperation Costs

Economic Forces • 6 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
💼 Business Regulation
  1. High cooperation costs — the costs of communicating, coordinating, and committing — can stop profitable sequential investments because early actors fear later expropriation, creating development traps.
  2. Because bargaining and coordination are costly, policymakers often use rules like zoning or quantity limits instead of taxes to prevent expropriation and avoid expensive negotiations.
  3. Institutions like imprisonment, juries, and bans on leasing prison labor raise the cost of corrupt cooperation among officials, which reduces incentives to extort, over-enforce, or unfairly extract resources via the justice system.
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Prepare for the Next Bitcoin Mining Infrastructure Boom

Miner Weekly • 59 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
💰 Finance Regulation
  1. Texas is becoming a major global hub for Bitcoin mining, with plans for significant power capacity expansions.
  2. Several major mining companies are gearing up for infrastructure booms by expanding their mining power capacity in various locations.
  3. Regulation news and corporate developments, like the acquisition of power plants, showcase the ongoing growth and changes in the Bitcoin mining industry.

Is Bitcoin Anti-Productive?

Points And Figures • 319 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💰 Finance Regulation
  1. Bitcoin is often underestimated as a fraud, but it has potential for legitimate uses in finance and marketing.
  2. Investing in new, seemingly 'crazy' ventures like cryptocurrency is risky but crucial for progress and innovation.
  3. Cryptocurrency has the potential to revolutionize industries by breaking down monopolistic structures and introducing new possibilities like tokenized systems for immigration and voting.

FHFA Director Pulte’s One-Sided War on Fed Chair Powell: Briefly Explained

Fintech Business Weekly • 37 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
💰 Finance Regulation
  1. FHFA Director Pulte is publicly criticizing Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not lowering interest rates, claiming it's harming homeownership. His aggressive stance has caught media attention and raised some eyebrows in financial circles.
  2. Connecticut's Department of Banking has denied a public information request for an accreditation report, arguing it could harm the banking system. This move has sparked confusion as to how a positive report could be seen as dangerous.
  3. JPMorgan Chase plans to charge third-parties for accessing consumer banking data, which is stirring up tension between traditional banks and fintech companies. This fee structure highlights an ongoing divide in the financial services landscape.

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

Philosophy bear • 107 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Regulation
  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.

How To Win The AI Race

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. AI diffusion will be key for national competitiveness in the coming decade.
  2. Policymakers should focus on policies that promote AI diffusion over just R&D.
  3. Education will play a crucial role in unlocking the productive potential of AI.

#13: The UK's Multilateral AI Safety Institute + Open-sourcing Advanced AI + Biden's Executive Order

Navigating AI Risks • 78 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. The UK, US, and other Western countries are establishing a Multilateral AI Safety Institute to evaluate national security risks of advanced AI models.
  2. Biden's Executive Order will set public procurement standards for AI to mitigate risks, with the aim to influence industry safety standards.
  3. Open-sourcing AI models presents risks of misuse by malicious actors, irreversible releases, and challenges in ensuring safety without compromising the benefits of public access.

Nuclear Power not only should be cheap; it was cheap: 3 cents/kWh cheap.

Gordian Knot News • 307 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🔬 Science Regulation
  1. In the 1960s, nuclear power was as cheap as coal, at about 3.2 cents per kWh in 2024 dollars.
  2. Nuclear power plants require significantly less material and labor compared to coal plants, making them potentially cheaper to build and operate.
  3. High regulatory costs, escalating material and labor expenses, and a misdirected regulatory system have contributed to making nuclear power more expensive than it should be.

The So-Called “Experts” Have Been “Right” About “Several Crucial Things” Recently

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation
  1. Experts’ predictions have recently lined up with real outcomes, showing that their models and warnings were often right.
  2. Economists warned that tariffs would depress manufacturing, raise prices, and invite graft, and those negative effects are now visible.
  3. Strong public skepticism of experts exists on both the left and right, but recent events show expertise still matters and should be taken seriously.

Biden’s Latest Regulatory Overreach Hits Colleges

The Future of Education • 198 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation
  1. Biden administration's new regulations for colleges will increase costs and stifle innovation for students.
  2. Thousands of contracts between colleges and third-party organizations will be under scrutiny and may be nullified.
  3. The regulatory approach favors large incumbents over startups, passing compliance costs to universities and ultimately to students.

The Case for Legalizing Prediction Markets

Mike’s Blog • 58 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💰 Finance Regulation
  1. Prediction markets offer straightforward incentives for accuracy and can untangle true beliefs from stated beliefs.
  2. Success in prediction markets is based on skill in making accurate probabilistic forecasts, not luck.
  3. Prediction markets can aggregate useful information, potentially outperforming polls in predicting outcomes.

Cryptocurrency: To See and Be Seen

False Positive • 39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto Regulation
  1. Cryptocurrency, like the Akha ethnic group, is navigating the tension between staying independent and seeking recognition and validation from the state.
  2. Both the market's desire to be seen and the state's willingness to see influence the integration of cryptocurrency into existing legal structures.
  3. Markets, like cryptocurrency, can employ strategies to be more or less legible to the state, with different stages of legibility impacting regulatory standards and market development.

A decade-long look at how Big Insurance profiteers American taxpayers and the sick.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
🏥 Health Politics Regulation
  1. Big insurance companies have grown a lot in size and profit over the last decade, primarily through mergers and getting more government contracts. They now make a lot of money, with profits reaching over $60 billion last year.
  2. Most of the increase in people under these insurance companies comes from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, not from private insurance. Taxpayers are indirectly supporting these companies even if they don't use their plans.
  3. Insurance companies are shifting more costs onto patients, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and making it hard for many to afford care. This is resulting in more people being underinsured and potentially struggling with medical debt.

#6: Times Are Changing + A Transatlantic Approach to AI + Governing Superintelligence, and more

Navigating AI Risks • 78 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. AI existential risks are gaining significant attention from top AI scientists, policymakers, and CEOs of advanced AI labs.
  2. The White House updated the National R&D Strategy for AI with a focus on international collaboration and AI system safety and security.
  3. Transatlantic discussions between the EU and US aim to coordinate AI policies, but differences in regulatory approaches exist.

A Modern Look at an Old Banking Risk

The Sunday Morning Post • 78 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
💰 Finance Regulation
  1. Bank runs can still happen today, triggered by various factors like social media rumors and liquidity issues
  2. The FDIC, established in 1933, guarantees a certain amount of depositors' funds to prevent bank runs and provide stability to the banking system
  3. Modern banking faces new challenges like swift fund transfers, online activism affecting stock prices, and the need for regulators to adapt to the changing landscape

In Recorded Conversation, A John Deere Dealer Talks Up Predatory Design

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. A John Deere dealership employee was caught on tape discussing the possibility of using software updates to block third-party competitors from working with John Deere equipment.
  2. The mention of using software updates to push out competition raises questions about anti-competitive behavior, which could potentially violate U.S. antitrust laws.
  3. The conversation highlights the importance of 'Right to Repair' legislation and the need for transparency from major agricultural equipment manufacturers in creating an open and competitive precision agriculture ecosystem.

Deconstructing the National Cybersecurity Strategy

Deploy Securely • 78 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. The National Cybersecurity Strategy emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt their cybersecurity strategies accordingly.
  2. The strategy addresses the importance of defending critical infrastructure and the need to streamline cybersecurity regulations.
  3. Business leaders should be aware of potential regulatory changes impacting software security and consider the implications of a national cyber insurance backstop.

#10 - Voluntary Commitments for Safe AI Development + A New Industry Body

Navigating AI Risks • 78 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. Leading AI companies have made voluntary commitments to ensure safety, security, and trust in AI development.
  2. The commitments focus on addressing transformative risks linked to frontier AI development.
  3. Inter-Lab Cooperation in AI Safety is being fostered through the creation of a forum to share best practices and collaborate with policymakers.

Bluetooth To The Rescue! NHTSA Does About Face On Massachusetts Telematics Access Law

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. NHTSA reversed its opposition to Massachusetts' expanded vehicle right to repair law, allowing for access to telematics data for repairs.
  2. NHTSA proposed a compromise for vehicle telematics access using Bluetooth connections to reduce cybersecurity risks.
  3. Auto Care Association does not support the Bluetooth solution, stating it doesn't create a fair playing field as expected by voters.

How Technologists Took the Mic

Technically Optimistic • 59 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. Build trust with trusted messenger programs going forward.
  2. Increase human moderation and fact-checking while experimenting with new features.
  3. Advocate for policy changes to disclose the use of AI in content while supporting legislation and working on AI development.

KOSA is back. Or is it?

Tech + Regulation • 39 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation
  1. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) aims to improve online safety for children and teens. It includes new rules for social media platforms to protect young users from risks like bullying and harmful content.
  2. KOSA introduces a 'duty of care' that requires platforms to actively prevent online harm to minors. This means they have to find a balance between allowing access to information and not promoting harmful content.
  3. The bill also changes how advertising works for younger users. Platforms will need to inform them why they see certain ads and limit certain design features that encourage excessive use.

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
  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.

Debanking's Dueling Narratives

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💰 Finance Regulation
  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.

The Power of Generativity in Platform Systems

Platform Papers • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Regulation
  1. In platform ecosystems, generativity plays a crucial role in driving innovation by allowing third-party developers to continuously create new offerings that enhance the core product's value over time.
  2. Balancing generativity is essential for platform success; too much generativity can lead to free-riding behavior where developers exploit the efforts of others, while the right amount can signal growth opportunities and encourage high-quality contributions.
  3. As platform ecosystems mature, business leaders and policymakers must navigate the challenges of maintaining a balance between positive reputation spillover effects and negative free-rider effects to ensure sustained innovation and user satisfaction.

The Deepfake State

Technically Optimistic • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. AI technology like deepfakes has the potential to impact elections globally, with platforms like OpenAI taking steps to enhance election safety.
  2. OpenAI and other platforms are implementing restrictions on AI use in elections to prevent misuse, like disallowing the creation of campaign-related applications and deceptive chatbots.
  3. Government response to AI threats in elections has been slow, with calls for increased transparency, responsibility, and regulation to address the challenges posed by AI technologies.

CryptoWinter is Over

Points And Figures • 266 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto Regulation
  1. CryptoWinter is over, as indicated by the strong performance of Coinbase stock and Bitcoin hitting $60k per token.
  2. Bitcoin is viewed more as a speculative instrument than a hedge against inflation or store of value, and the thawing of purse strings among crypto VCs suggests a positive shift.
  3. The emergence of physically deliverable crypto-assets, like on Bitnomial, underlines the potential for improved risk management in the crypto market, but the absence of widely used applications built on crypto remains a concern.

AI and Elections

Technically Optimistic • 59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation
  1. Election systems rely heavily on trust in officials, messengers, and fairness, which can easily be compromised.
  2. The internet enables both effective voter mobilization through technology and the dangerous spread of misinformation using AI tools.
  3. Watermarking AI-generated content is a start, but more comprehensive solutions like content provenance tracking are crucial to verify authenticity in critical contexts.

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 Regulation
  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.

AI's Appetite for Energy Is Going to Be Huge

Robots for the Rest of Us • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. AI's growth will demand a huge amount of energy, requiring revolutionary advancements like nuclear fusion.
  2. Humanoid robots being tested at BMW showcase potential, but they're not infallible and face challenges.
  3. Concerns arise about technology worsening products over time, potentially impacting jobs and quality, urging caution in AI deployment.

Lowering Costs and Increasing Value for Students, Institutions, and Taxpayers

The Future of Education • 99 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🚌 Education Regulation
  1. The current higher education system lacks incentives for institutions to focus on student outcomes and financial returns.
  2. Accreditors play a gatekeeper role for federal financial aid, but are not incentivized to focus on student outcomes.
  3. Policy should shift focus to student outcomes, transparency in pricing, and requiring colleges to share in the risk of student loan repayments.

10 AI stories that shaped 2024

Artificial Ignorance • 100 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Regulation
  1. AI is now a part of everyday life, making things easier and more efficient. It's moving from being a fun tool to a necessary part of our routines.
  2. Big companies are investing huge amounts of money in AI technology and infrastructure. They're building data centers and buying powerful computer chips to support AI's growth.
  3. New AI models are getting smarter and better at reasoning. These advancements allow AI to solve complex problems in ways we haven't seen before.

The Demise of Silicon Valley Bank

Net Interest • 496 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
💰 Finance Regulation
  1. The demise of Silicon Valley Bank was caused by a collapse due to interest rate risk management and significant deposit outflows.
  2. Silicon Valley Bank's strategy of investing in securities was affected when rising interest rates led to significant unrealized losses, making the bank technically insolvent.
  3. The bank faced challenges in managing deposit outflows and was unable to satisfy demands due to a concentrated customer base and limited options like tapping into its securities portfolio.

Unravelling the Magic of Shell Companies

False Positive • 39 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💰 Finance Regulation
  1. Investigating money laundering involves challenges such as identifying individuals, tracing illicit proceeds, and facing budget limitations in law enforcement.
  2. Beneficial ownership data is crucial in uncovering complex money laundering schemes involving shell companies that obscure the true owners and facilitate criminal activities.
  3. The new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Database in the U.S. aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities by providing direct access to company ownership information, simplifying investigations and possibly reducing compliance costs for financial institutions.