Hello and welcome to TechScape! I’m Blake Montgomery, the technology news editor at the Guardian US. Today, I’ll be discussing Elon Musk’s global political ambitions, an inspiring documentary set in the world of World of Warcraft, public opinion on school cellphone bans, and the latest on cats trending on TikTok. Let’s dive right in.
First up, Elon Musk’s recent political maneuvers. Over the weekend, Musk made headlines by announcing a plan to give away $1 million a day to registered voters in battleground states who sign a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments through his political action committee. The first prize was presented at a rally in Pennsylvania, and the second in Pittsburgh, with Musk committing to continue this initiative until the election on November 5. However, experts have raised concerns about the legality of his approach.
Why is Musk pursuing this strategy? What are his objectives? My colleagues, Nick Robins-Early and Rachel Leingang, recently published an insightful article examining Musk’s significant influence on the upcoming US presidential election. They highlighted a particularly intriguing question: Is deregulation the primary motivation behind Musk’s political activities worldwide? Is his aggressive spending aimed at reducing government oversight?
Musk’s battles with various regulatory bodies seem to align with his public advocacy for deregulatory measures, including a call for an extensive audit of the federal government—a concept that has echoed among other political figures, including Donald Trump. Trump mentioned plans for a Musk-led government efficiency commission to identify cuts within federal agencies, proposing the humorous name “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE, alluding to one of Musk’s favorite memes featuring a shiba inu.
Despite the lack of concrete details and the clear conflict of interest in Musk auditing the agencies that oversee his businesses, both Trump and Musk have discussed Musk potentially playing a significant role in a future Trump administration. Trump even announced the creation of a position dubbed “secretary of cost-cutting,” with Musk as the preferred candidate. “He’s dying to do this,” Trump remarked.
Musk’s crusade for fewer government regulations isn’t confined to the United States. Globally, he’s found himself in conflicts with other billionaires, such as in India, where he’s challenged government regulations on satellite broadband, coming out ahead against telecom mogul Mukesh Ambani.
Musk has also branded himself a “free-speech absolutist,” going so far as to tweet alarming declarations during times of unrest, like suggesting civil war was on the horizon in the UK. His criticisms extend to the California state government and President Biden’s administration, indicating a broader fight against governing bodies.
In a notable instance last month, Brazil barred access to X (formerly known as Twitter) due to regulatory non-compliance, which led to penalties against Starlink, a Musk-owned subsidiary. Recently, European regulators signaled that they might impose fines on X for failing to adhere to the Digital Services Act, potentially calculating penalties based not just on X’s revenue but factoring in Musk’s entire business empire.
In California, Musk’s tendency to disseminate misinformation on social media influenced a coastal commission’s decision to reject SpaceX’s petition for rocket launches from a Santa Barbara beach. In response, Musk filed a lawsuit, alleging political bias and violations of his First Amendment rights, insisting he simply wants to operate his businesses without interference.
Shifting gears, I want to highlight a remarkable documentary, “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” which tells the story of Mats Steen, a Norwegian teenager who spent a significant portion of his life confined to a wheelchair due to a degenerative disorder. As his physical limitations grew, Steen immersed himself in gaming, particularly World of Warcraft, for up to 12 hours a day.
While his parents initially feared the negative impacts of screen time, they ultimately discovered that the online world provided Steen with vital connections and experiences. His in-game character, Ibelin, became a conduit for friendships and even romantic relationships, leading his parents to understand the profound significance of his digital life when they accessed his account after his passing.
The film, which cleverly blends real life with Steen’s online experiences, challenges conventional views on screen time, particularly as the discourse surrounding children’s digital engagement intensifies. It’s set to premiere on Netflix on October 25.
Lastly, I’ve been enjoying some captivating TikTok videos featuring cats equipped with collar cameras. These clips provide a delightful glimpse into the secret lives of outdoor felines, showcasing their antics in an innovative way. One viral star, Mr. Kitters, has become a beloved character, while another cat, known as @max20499, adds a bit of drama by ambushing fellow cats.
In the realm of education, a recent Pew Research poll revealed surprising statistics regarding support for cellphone bans in schools among US adults. Findings suggest that 68% back a ban on phone use in middle and high school classrooms, while 36% support a complete ban during the school day. Interestingly, younger adults tend to be less supportive, with only 45% of those under 30 in favor of restrictions during class.
That wraps up today’s TechScape! Join me next time as we continue to explore how technology shapes our world.
