Debates

Uhm… Sir, this is a Wendy’s

Plus: Save Public Media in the US

Team Citizens

May 9, 2025 — 4 min read

Photo: Getty

Dear Citizen,

If you’re on Meta’s Oversight Board’s email list (we don’t recommend it), you got a pretty weird email yesterday:

Uhm … sure we’ll bite: Meta’s fierce oversight body is apparently “reviewing two new cases concerning videos that show teachers hitting children in school settings,” and they want to start an extensive review process to decide whether or not … videos of teachers hitting children should stay on their platforms, so they can issue a non-binding recommendation that Meta doesn’t have to follow. Oversight!

This is why, in the simplest terms, Big Tech needs real, independent, external oversight and regulation. Which is what we have been working towards for years.

(Also … Meta should take down the videos!)

This isn’t even the highlight in what’s proving to be a banner week for Zuck & Co:

Bad stuff all around. Let’s get to a few ways we can stop these guys…

We have so much more planned and our spirits remain high, but with philanthropic funding in retreat, we are on a knife’s edge. Without your support, unfortunately, our little team will not be able to survive and report past Summer 2025. Can you help us by becoming a paid member?

UPGRADE TO PAID

# ONE CLICK: Can Social Media Still Bring Us Together? #

We’re all about alternatives to the big platforms. How is one social network bringing people together in increasingly divisive times? Watch this terrific (and short!) PBS Newshour segment (featuring the very sharp Founder of New Public, Eli Pariser) on how some folks are using Front Porch Forum -

# ONE ACTION: Save Public Media #

In the US? Don't Let Trump and Musk Destroy Public Media. Click here to stop the clawback of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR.

Not in the US? Throw our partner Free Press a donation in solidarity, or share their action ^^ on social.

# ONE WATCH: Don't Miss Our New Substack Live #

Today, May 9th at 10am PST/ 1pm EST / 6pm BST

Join us for a Substack Live with author of Filterworld Kyle Chayka, founder of Metalabel Yancey Strickler and Orwell-prize winning journalist Carole Cadwalladr.

We'll discuss how algorithms impoverish the artistic experience and homogenize culture, while AI robs creatives of their intellectual property, ideas, and output, threatening their livelihoods. But, remember, none of this is inevitable, and there’s huge momentum to rebuild a creative commons—cooperation instead of competition is the way!

WATCH LIVE HERE

We’re very interested in your perspective, so join our Substack and drop questions in the chat. See you there!