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

Apr 17, 2026

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5 min read

Why I don’t like age verification for social media

Age verification laws for social media are sweeping the world. The EU just announced their own solution is ready to go. I am worried that we are making big platforms stronger without being clear about what problem we’re trying to solve.

Apr 15, 2026

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7 min read

Q&A #1 - Scott Spencer, CEO and co-founder of Rewarded Interest

Introducing a new occasional bonus feature. Get to know the leaders, builders, and thinkers working to give us control over our online lives. Leading us off, Scott Spencer, one of the original veterans of online advertising safety.

Apr 10, 2026

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8 min read

News Round-Up: Bluesky, the Meta Oversight Board, Debanking, and A Horse

After a week off, I return with my first news round-up. This is something new for me, so please let me know if you find this useful.

Mar 27, 2026

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8 min read

How is your Instagram account like a hotel room?

Data in our online accounts should be protected from unreasonable search and seizure just like luggage in a hotel room, according to a new US Supreme Court amicus brief from Harvard’s Cyberlaw Clinic and an old Google colleague. This could be extended to expand ownership and data portability rights.

Mar 20, 2026

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8 min read

New data shows platforms use terms of service to subvert the rule of law

My rants about online due process are not purely theoretical. Data from the ASML Transparency Hub, compiled by students at Boston University, show that platforms are quietly cutting you off from your country’s justice system and forcing you to accept theirs.