A weekly newsletter that tells the story of how tech companies became unelected governments and what to do about it, by former Google executive and 30-year Internet veteran Jonathan Bellack.

Posts

Jan 26, 2026

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6 min read

Due process matters, in the real world and online

It’s hard to write about online due process when ICE is killing people in Minnesota. Losing your account is not the same as being kidnapped or deported. But the callous way we enforce online rules sets an uncomfortable precedent. We can do better.

Jan 16, 2026

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10 min read

Explainer #5: Is the Social Media Bill of Rights our new founding document?

Twitter’s first employee has written an inspiring manifesto for the social media we deserve. I run you through the basics: who Rabble is, what he’s up to, and what the Nostr social media protocol has to do with it.

Jan 9, 2026

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10 min read

Why is Meta still feeding us garbage in response to their scam ads scandal?

A new set of embarrassing documents about Meta’s fraud problems leaked on New Year’s Eve. Comms VP Andy Stone didn’t handle this batch any better than last time. Why can’t he get it right?

Dec 19, 2025

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8 min read

Scandals At Meta And OpenAI Prove It: Safety Needs Real Independence

We can’t trust big tech platforms to make the right safety decisions of their own accord. Back in June, I called on Bluesky to spin off its safety team. To end the year, I generalize the argument. Let’s carve some roast platform beast together, shall we?

Dec 12, 2025

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10 min read

Inside My Battles With Google Trust & Safety

Welcome to the two-week Platformocracy Holiday Party! Today I play the Grinch and share a few anecdotes in which I complain about my difficult relationship with Google Trust and Safety.