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Published: Oct. 20, 2023, 1:23 a.m.

The Morins and Lessins discuss the urgent questions Hamas\u2019 terrorism against Israel raises for tech companies. Plus, how leaders should\u2014and should not\u2014respond to the attacks.

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Show Notes

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[0:00] Intro

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[0:36] Opening Discussion

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[2:03] It is a very important and troubling time in the world. Sharing some of our thoughts as a group.

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[2:10] Impossible to not talk about the Israel and Hamas situation.

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[2:15] We are not a political podcast nor are we political experts. We are tech people.

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[2:25] This podcast is going to be about the tech side of it and the important tech stories about it.\xa0

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[2:30] We are floored and upset. The situation with Hamas is beyond comprehension. They are a terrorist organization. What they\u2019ve done, the atrocities, are beyond pale.

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[2:49] We wish the Israeli people the best in doing the extremely painful and hard work ahead. Which clearly has to be done.\xa0

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[3:03] On the tech front, 3 things on the agenda to talk about:

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1. Funding and LPs in this era: As a company or a fund how do you think about who\u2019s funding you and who you\u2019re funding in light of the geopolitical situation?

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2. Social Networks and News: Section 230, the US election in 14 months, AI is now a thing.\xa0

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3. Tech Leaders and the interesting thing about who can say what on the internet.

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[4:46] Debate about tech leaders' statements on the situation. Note of the lack of strong condemnation of Hamas among tech leaders.

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[13:15] Suggestion that tech leaders may be hesitant to speak out strongly due to security concerns.

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[15:52] Debate on social networks, news, misinformation, and AI. Prediction that Section 230 is dead.

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[19:47] Losing the "town square" into encrypted group chats and why social media will never be the same.

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[26:25] Idea that an alternative social network for \u201cactual relationships\u201d should exist.

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[27:23] Proposal that we go back to where we were before: \u201cdon\u2019t trust the network, trust the individual.\u201d

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[27:36] Idea to build clubs of trust and community among Celebrity Influencers to protect the commons.

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[28:40] Is there an opportunity for quality journalism?

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[28:54] Skepticism that news organizations can regain trust due to business model issues.\xa0

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[30:33] The Rock is the answer.

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[30:46] Discussion on founders, VCs, and LPs in this era. Who are you ok making money for?\xa0

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[34:53] Agreement that transparency enables the individual founder or venture capitalist to make their own decisions about who they\u2019re making money for.\xa0

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[36:31] Note that pushing VCs for transparency has worked for issues like diversity. California signed a law this week.

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[38:32] Wrap Up