The big noise in social media

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: This episode of Tech Tent explores the rapid rise of audio social media, particularly Clubhouse, and the competitive response from major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. It also covers Apple's new privacy features, a fatal Tesla crash raising questions about autopilot, Amazon's entry into hair salons, the development of jetpack technology, and a lawsuit against TikTok for allegedly illegally collecting children's data. The episode features interviews with users, consultants, and experts, providing a comprehensive look at current tech trends and controversies.

Main Topics: The Rise of Audio Social Media (Priority: 5/5): Discussion on Clubhouse's $4 billion valuation, its appeal, and how Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and others are launching similar audio chat features. The segment explores the potential and skepticism around audio as the next big social medium. Apple's New Privacy Features vs. Facebook (Priority: 4/5): Analysis of Apple's upcoming iOS update that will require apps to ask permission for tracking, and Facebook's opposition. The debate centers on user control over data versus advertising revenue models. Tesla Autopilot Safety Concerns (Priority: 3/5): Coverage of a fatal Tesla crash in Texas where no one was in the driver's seat, leading to questions about autopilot capabilities and potential regulation. The Tesla community's own investigation is highlighted. Jetpack Technology and Its Commercialization (Priority: 3/5): Interview with Richard Browning about his jet suit invention, its journey from a hobby to a business involving military and search & rescue applications, and the potential for electric versions. TikTok Lawsuit Over Children's Data (Priority: 4/5): Lawsuit filed by former Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield accusing TikTok of illegally collecting data from underage users in the UK and Europe, including facial recognition and geolocation data, violating GDPR. Miscellaneous Tech News (Priority: 2/5): Brief updates on Amazon's new hair salon with augmented reality mirrors and palm scanning payment, and reflections on the tech editor's departure from BBC.

Key Arguments: Clubhouse's $4 billion valuation is excessive given its limited user base and early-stage maturity; it may follow the Meerkat pattern of initial hype followed by decline. Audio social media faces challenges in forming user habits and competing with podcasts for high-quality content and audience attention. Apple's tracking transparency gives users control over their data, which Facebook claims will harm app advertising revenue but is a necessary privacy protection. Tesla's autopilot may have been involved in a fatal crash, and regulation is likely needed as the technology matures; the Tesla community's defensive reaction shows strong brand loyalty. TikTok's data collection on children under 13 is excessive and illegal under GDPR, including biometric data and geolocation; the company's age verification measures are insufficient outside the US. Jetpack technology is advancing beyond entertainment to practical uses in military and search & rescue, with electric versions promising longer flight times.

Data Points: Clubhouse valuation: $4 billion - Social media startup with no revenues, valued by Silicon Valley investors. Clubhouse global users: 14 million - Added 3 million new users between March to mid-April. Jetpack clients trained: 250+ clients - Trained in LA and London by Richard Browning's company. TikTok underage users in UK (8-12 year olds): 44% - According to Ofcom, children aged 8-12 use TikTok despite policy against under 13. Children affected by TikTok data collection in EU/UK: 3.5 million - Since May 2018 GDPR came into effect, potentially had data gathered illegally.

Pivotal Quotes: "I've enjoyed the inclusivity of it and how it provides access to people that usually I just simply wouldn't have." — Rachel Lancaster: Early Clubhouse user describing the app's appeal. "Their policy around privacy and around data is excessive. It goes far beyond what you would expect to see for a platform of this kind." — Anne Longfield: Former Children's Commissioner for England criticizing TikTok's data practices. "The first motor cars were considered noisy, smelly, and a bit of a joke compared to a horse. And look what happened as human ingenuity relentlessly advanced the capability." — Richard Browning: Jetpack inventor comparing his technology to early automobiles to argue for its future potential.

Implications: The podcast underscores the rapid evolution of social media towards audio, the intensifying privacy battle between Apple and Facebook, the need for regulation in autonomous vehicles and children's data, and the slow but steady progress of personal flight technology. Listeners should expect more competition in audio platforms, heightened privacy controls, and potential legal changes for data protection.