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How Big Tech Captured Attention, Kids, and Democracy
Description
Air Date: 2/23/2026
Today we examine how the platforms that monetize your attention are merging with state power. We'll hear how TikTok's new owners include Trump ally Larry Ellison, how DHS sent hundreds of subpoenas to unmask anonymous ICE critics, how Ring's Super Bowl ad cheerfully introduced AI-powered neighborhood surveillance, and how the social media addiction trials that are being likened to the Big Tobacco settlement of the 90s, are finally exposing what these companies knew about the harmful nature of their products all along.
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TOP TAKES
KP 2: Trouble at TikTok Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-4-26
KP 3: Is Social Media Having Its Big Tobacco Moment Part 1 - The Global Story - Air Date 2-16-26
KP 4: The Social Media Addiction Trials Begin Part 1 - On The Media - Air Date 2-13-26
KP 5: Ring's Lost Pet Ad Fetching a Surveillance State - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 2-10-26
KP 6: DMs! My Kingdom For DMs! - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 2-17-26
(00:53:14) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Big Tech is the New Big Tobacco - Here's what that means for our future
DEEPER DIVES
(01:01:11) SECTION A: LAWSUITS
A2: Why New Mexico Is Taking Meta to Court - Here & Now Anytime - 2-5-26
A3: The Social Media Addiction Trials Begin Part 2 - On The Media- Air Date 2-13-26
A4: Is Social Media Having Its Big Tobacco Moment Part 2 - The Global Story - Air Date 2-16-26
A5: Trouble at TikTok Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-4-26
A6: P