Gigi Sohn
@gbsohn.bsky.social
Telecom, media and technology policy. Many hats. Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, American Association for Public Broadband, Georgetown Law School, G Squared Strategies. Find me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigisohn/
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
“If we can get communities over the hump of believing they can afford to do this, it will pay dividends.”
On @lightreading.bsky.social's The Divide, @gbsohn.bsky.social breaks down what’s wrong w/BEAD under Trump’s NTIA, and why public broadband is the answer.
www.lightreading.com/broadband/th...
On @lightreading.bsky.social's The Divide, @gbsohn.bsky.social breaks down what’s wrong w/BEAD under Trump’s NTIA, and why public broadband is the answer.
www.lightreading.com/broadband/th...
Gigi Sohn on BEAD and the promise of public broadband
Gigi Sohn joins The Divide podcast to discuss why BEAD won't live up to its initial promise and how public broadband networks can deliver for communities.
www.lightreading.com
October 15, 2025 at 6:18 PM
“If we can get communities over the hump of believing they can afford to do this, it will pay dividends.”
On @lightreading.bsky.social's The Divide, @gbsohn.bsky.social breaks down what’s wrong w/BEAD under Trump’s NTIA, and why public broadband is the answer.
www.lightreading.com/broadband/th...
On @lightreading.bsky.social's The Divide, @gbsohn.bsky.social breaks down what’s wrong w/BEAD under Trump’s NTIA, and why public broadband is the answer.
www.lightreading.com/broadband/th...
Disney's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel is what happens when the government allows decades of media and tech consolidation. When control of media and tech are in the hands of a handful of companies, it becomes easier for authoritarian leaders to control them. deadline.com/2025/09/nexs...
Nexstar And Sinclair, Two Largest Station Groups, Wield Influence In ABC Decision To Pull Jimmy Kimmel In Light Of His Charlie Kirk Comments — Update
The station group is seeking FCC approval of a major merger.
deadline.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Disney's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel is what happens when the government allows decades of media and tech consolidation. When control of media and tech are in the hands of a handful of companies, it becomes easier for authoritarian leaders to control them. deadline.com/2025/09/nexs...
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
A new world where Karl Rove makes sense and Bob Iger is without scruples.
ROVE: “.. Using Charlie’s murder to justify retaliation against political rivals is wrong and dangerous. It will further divide and embitter our country. No good thing will come of it.”
@wsj.com
www.wsj.com/opinion/they...
@wsj.com
www.wsj.com/opinion/they...
September 18, 2025 at 2:09 AM
A new world where Karl Rove makes sense and Bob Iger is without scruples.
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
IMPORTANT PERSPECTIVE: What I have not seen anyone discussing is that Nexstar pulling Kimmel, forcing ABC’s hand, comes as Nexstar is leading the way for the industry on trying to get FCC approval for media consolidation. www.poynter.org/business-wor...
Nexstar’s takeover of Tegna would require an overhaul of FCC ownership rules - Poynter
The proposed sale would exceed the FCC’s 39% cap, igniting debate among broadcasters, unions and press groups
www.poynter.org
September 17, 2025 at 11:58 PM
IMPORTANT PERSPECTIVE: What I have not seen anyone discussing is that Nexstar pulling Kimmel, forcing ABC’s hand, comes as Nexstar is leading the way for the industry on trying to get FCC approval for media consolidation. www.poynter.org/business-wor...
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
What a relief that we've spent the past decade wringing our hands about censorious leftist college students
September 17, 2025 at 10:56 PM
What a relief that we've spent the past decade wringing our hands about censorious leftist college students
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
A few simple steps can drastically decrease the amount of personal information that’s available about you online. ssd.eff.org/module/how-...
How to: Manage Your Digital Footprint
Search for your name in any search engine and you’ll likely encounter dozens of results, some of which might include personal information like addresses, email accounts, usernames, or family members. Each piece of information is often public and not typically seen as harmful. But together these parts of your identity...
ssd.eff.org
August 29, 2025 at 8:04 PM
A few simple steps can drastically decrease the amount of personal information that’s available about you online. ssd.eff.org/module/how-...
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
The president of the United States is trying to steal congressional seats so I don’t give a fuck about the Cracker Barrel logo discussion. Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow.
August 22, 2025 at 2:17 AM
The president of the United States is trying to steal congressional seats so I don’t give a fuck about the Cracker Barrel logo discussion. Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow.
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
Tech journalist/critic @karaswisher.bsky.social explains why it’s so important that tech workers speak out individually and create companies that elevate best practices, on the new episode of EFF’s “How to Fix the Internet.”
Podcast Episode: Smashing the Tech Oligarchy
Many of the internet’s thorniest problems can be attributed to the concentration of power in a few corporate hands: the surveillance capitalism that makes it profitable to invade our privacy, the lack...
www.eff.org
August 4, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Tech journalist/critic @karaswisher.bsky.social explains why it’s so important that tech workers speak out individually and create companies that elevate best practices, on the new episode of EFF’s “How to Fix the Internet.”
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
At EFF we spend a lot of time thinking about the tech used by police and authorities to spy on you while you’re going about your everyday life, like cell-site simulators (CSS). Rayhunter is an open source tool we’ve created that we hope empowers everyone to help search out CSS around the world.
Meet Rayhunter: A New Open Source Tool from EFF to Detect Cellular Spying
Rayhunter is a new open source tool we’ve created that runs off an affordable mobile hotspot that we hope empowers everyone, regardless of technical skill, to help search out cell-site simulators (CSS...
www.eff.org
July 31, 2025 at 7:42 PM
At EFF we spend a lot of time thinking about the tech used by police and authorities to spy on you while you’re going about your everyday life, like cell-site simulators (CSS). Rayhunter is an open source tool we’ve created that we hope empowers everyone to help search out CSS around the world.
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
ICYMI: The “Big Beautiful Bill” strips internet costs from SNAP eligibility: forcing low-income families to choose between staying connected and putting food on the table.
In @prospect.org, Sean Gonsalves of @ilsr.bsky.social breaks it down, with powerful commentary from AAPB's @gbsohn.bsky.social:
In @prospect.org, Sean Gonsalves of @ilsr.bsky.social breaks it down, with powerful commentary from AAPB's @gbsohn.bsky.social:
By removing internet service costs as a “deduction” from the SNAP program, Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill means that families with internet access will have higher net incomes, and therefore get lower benefits. From Sean Gonsalves:
The Big Beautiful Bill’s Ugly Choice: Internet or Food?
The Republican budget bill cuts food assistance benefits to households that pay for internet access.
trib.al
July 30, 2025 at 4:55 PM
ICYMI: The “Big Beautiful Bill” strips internet costs from SNAP eligibility: forcing low-income families to choose between staying connected and putting food on the table.
In @prospect.org, Sean Gonsalves of @ilsr.bsky.social breaks it down, with powerful commentary from AAPB's @gbsohn.bsky.social:
In @prospect.org, Sean Gonsalves of @ilsr.bsky.social breaks it down, with powerful commentary from AAPB's @gbsohn.bsky.social:
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
again, no mention at all that the incoming new owners of CBS are the Ellison family, billionaire friends of Trump, who are already shaping the trajectory of the new CBS via Skydance execs before the deal ink is dry
that's apparently just not relevant enough to mention
that's apparently just not relevant enough to mention
Trump Says ‘I Absolutely Love’ That Stephen Colbert Got ‘Fired’ and ‘I Hear Jimmy Kimmel Is Next’
Trump weighed in on CBS's announced cancelation of Stephen Colbert's late-night talk show and is seemingly hopeful Jimmy Kimmel will be next to get axed.
variety.com
July 18, 2025 at 8:03 PM
again, no mention at all that the incoming new owners of CBS are the Ellison family, billionaire friends of Trump, who are already shaping the trajectory of the new CBS via Skydance execs before the deal ink is dry
that's apparently just not relevant enough to mention
that's apparently just not relevant enough to mention
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
Only 19% of Dems approve of the party at this point.
That’s not because we have all of a sudden changed our mind on Dem principles or policies.
It’s because we are so damned scared and so damned disappointed in a leadership team that simply does not appear up to be meeting the moment.
That’s not because we have all of a sudden changed our mind on Dem principles or policies.
It’s because we are so damned scared and so damned disappointed in a leadership team that simply does not appear up to be meeting the moment.
July 18, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Only 19% of Dems approve of the party at this point.
That’s not because we have all of a sudden changed our mind on Dem principles or policies.
It’s because we are so damned scared and so damned disappointed in a leadership team that simply does not appear up to be meeting the moment.
That’s not because we have all of a sudden changed our mind on Dem principles or policies.
It’s because we are so damned scared and so damned disappointed in a leadership team that simply does not appear up to be meeting the moment.
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
This year marks EFF defending the internet for 35 years! With your continued support, we'll be able to fight for user rights for years to come.
35 Years for Privacy, Free Speech, and a Brighter Future
Through July 10, new monthly or annual Sustaining Donors get an EFF35 Challenge Coin! With your help, EFF is here to stay.
eff.org
July 17, 2025 at 11:44 PM
This year marks EFF defending the internet for 35 years! With your continued support, we'll be able to fight for user rights for years to come.
.@colbertlateshow.bsky.social is being cancelled purely for financial reasons not having anything to do with the fact that the host criticizes Trump daily and that CBS's parent company has a merger pending with the FCC?
If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. www.npr.org/2025/07/17/n...
If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. www.npr.org/2025/07/17/n...
CBS will end 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' next year
Colbert confirmed the cancellation during a show taping on Thursday. CBS said the move was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night."
www.npr.org
July 18, 2025 at 3:20 PM
.@colbertlateshow.bsky.social is being cancelled purely for financial reasons not having anything to do with the fact that the host criticizes Trump daily and that CBS's parent company has a merger pending with the FCC?
If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. www.npr.org/2025/07/17/n...
If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. www.npr.org/2025/07/17/n...
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
Thanks to @markey.senate.gov, @cantwell.senate.gov, Marsha Blackburn, & Susan Collins for stripping the AI moratorium from Senate budget bill. This text would have hamstrung state efforts to protect consumers from things like deepfakes & robocalls for 5 years. This cut was the right thing to do.
July 1, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Thanks to @markey.senate.gov, @cantwell.senate.gov, Marsha Blackburn, & Susan Collins for stripping the AI moratorium from Senate budget bill. This text would have hamstrung state efforts to protect consumers from things like deepfakes & robocalls for 5 years. This cut was the right thing to do.
What a sad day for media in the U.S. It highlights the need for more independent, local news outlets throughout the country. Paramount's unwarranted, unwise $16M settlement with Trump highlights the destruction that media consolidation has wrought. apnews.com/article/trum...
Paramount to pay $16 million in settlement with Trump over ‘60 Minutes’ interview
Paramount told media outlets the money will go to Trump’s future presidential library, not to the president himself. It said the settlement did not involve an apology.
apnews.com
July 2, 2025 at 1:23 PM
What a sad day for media in the U.S. It highlights the need for more independent, local news outlets throughout the country. Paramount's unwarranted, unwise $16M settlement with Trump highlights the destruction that media consolidation has wrought. apnews.com/article/trum...
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
Well that's a tiny bit of good news.
A Republican fake consumer group had sued to try and make an $8 billion federal subsidy program to help bring phone and broadband services to lower income homes and schools (USF) unconstitutional.
A Republican fake consumer group had sued to try and make an $8 billion federal subsidy program to help bring phone and broadband services to lower income homes and schools (USF) unconstitutional.
Third #SCOTUS ruling is in the universal service fund (non-delegation) case.
For a 6-3 majority (with Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissenting), Justice Kagan *rejects* non-delegation challenge; upholds universal service fund structure and authority:
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
For a 6-3 majority (with Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissenting), Justice Kagan *rejects* non-delegation challenge; upholds universal service fund structure and authority:
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
www.supremecourt.gov
June 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Well that's a tiny bit of good news.
A Republican fake consumer group had sued to try and make an $8 billion federal subsidy program to help bring phone and broadband services to lower income homes and schools (USF) unconstitutional.
A Republican fake consumer group had sued to try and make an $8 billion federal subsidy program to help bring phone and broadband services to lower income homes and schools (USF) unconstitutional.
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
Big Tech doesn’t need more loopholes. But S.B. 690 gives them one the size of California: the power to wiretap you online, then turn around and call it “commercial business.” California lawmakers must reject this bill.
California’s Corporate Cover-Up Act Is a Privacy Nightmare
California lawmakers are pushing one of the most dangerous privacy rollbacks we’ve seen in years. S.B. 690, what we’re calling the Corporate Cover-Up Act, is a brazen attempt to let corporations spy o...
www.eff.org
June 27, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Big Tech doesn’t need more loopholes. But S.B. 690 gives them one the size of California: the power to wiretap you online, then turn around and call it “commercial business.” California lawmakers must reject this bill.
HUGE victory in US Supreme Court case challenging the FCC's Universal Service Fund. The Court found that the Fund did not violate the non-delegation doctrine and was therefore constitutional. Now it's time for Congress to fix USF. @aapbroadband.bsky.social's statement: www.aapb.us/post/stateme...
[Statement] AAPB Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision Upholding the Constitutionality of the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service
This morning, the United States Supreme Court, by a 6-3 vote, ruled that the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund did not violate the non-delegation doctrine and therefore...
www.aapb.us
June 27, 2025 at 3:31 PM
HUGE victory in US Supreme Court case challenging the FCC's Universal Service Fund. The Court found that the Fund did not violate the non-delegation doctrine and was therefore constitutional. Now it's time for Congress to fix USF. @aapbroadband.bsky.social's statement: www.aapb.us/post/stateme...
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
It was really quite easy for the Dems--just don't support the guy who had to quit for being serial sexual harasser. He was also very overrated in general and harmful to the Dems in his state.
So, supporting him really says a lot about the Dem establishment. None of it good.
1/2
So, supporting him really says a lot about the Dem establishment. None of it good.
1/2
June 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM
It was really quite easy for the Dems--just don't support the guy who had to quit for being serial sexual harasser. He was also very overrated in general and harmful to the Dems in his state.
So, supporting him really says a lot about the Dem establishment. None of it good.
1/2
So, supporting him really says a lot about the Dem establishment. None of it good.
1/2
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
Today’s ruling on U.S. vs. Skrmetti clearly demonstrates that trans people are under attack. Don’t let technology make things worse. Here are some recommendations to keep you and your community safe.
Strategies for Resisting Tech-Enabled Violence Facing Transgender People
Today's Supreme Court’s ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti upholding bans on gender-affirming care for youth makes it clear: trans people are under attack. Threats to trans rights and healthcare are coming fr...
www.eff.org
June 18, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Today’s ruling on U.S. vs. Skrmetti clearly demonstrates that trans people are under attack. Don’t let technology make things worse. Here are some recommendations to keep you and your community safe.
Reposted by Gigi Sohn
“When we think about ICE, we have to recognize it’s not just sworn officers anymore, but a network of private intelligence contractors who get paid to probe a vast array of data,” EFF’s @maassive.bsky.social told @fedscoop.bsky.social - possibly with political motivations.
ICE seeks proprietary data and tech to monitor up to a million people
The DHS component published an RFI seeking the services of a company to scour data sources and help identify “potentially criminal and fraudulent behavior before crime and fraud can materialize.”
fedscoop.com
June 19, 2025 at 3:47 AM
“When we think about ICE, we have to recognize it’s not just sworn officers anymore, but a network of private intelligence contractors who get paid to probe a vast array of data,” EFF’s @maassive.bsky.social told @fedscoop.bsky.social - possibly with political motivations.