Is America Ready to Fight Big Tech? (with Sacha Haworth)
Is America Ready to Fight Big Tech? (with Sacha Haworth)  
Podcast: The Rip Current
Published On: Wed Nov 12 2025
Description: Are we ready to take on the tech titans? Sacha Haworth thinks maybe—just maybe—we finally are. The head of the Tech Oversight Project joins me this week to talk about the pervasive influence of Big Tech on our lives, and why recognizing a growing allergy to that influence is becoming a centerpiece of political strategy. We discuss the public’s growing concerns over privacy, children’s addiction to technology, and the economic and environmental effects of tech companies’ big AI plans on local communities. Sacha shares insights on political will and the bipartisan potential to regulate and hold big tech accountable, and the court cases and regulatory moves she’ll be watching most closely in 2026 and beyond.The Rip Current by Jacob Ward is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.00:00 Introduction: The Growing Influence of Tech00:22 The Rip Current: Exploring Big Tech’s Impact01:05 Guest Introduction: Sasha Hayworth01:38 Election Insights: Tech’s Role in Political Wins02:43 Tech and Economic Issues in Elections03:35 The Rise of Data Centers and Their Impact06:29 Personal Journey: From Policy School to Tech Oversight10:41 The Tech Oversight Project: Mission and Goals11:46 Shaping the Narrative: Tech in Politics17:22 The Politics of Tech: Power and Influence22:03 Economic Speculation and the Tech Bubble28:36 Future Vision: The Impact of AI and Tech31:22 The Impact of Job Loss and Tax Incentives32:39 AI’s Influence on Young Minds34:49 Parental Concerns and Legislative Efforts40:28 The Dark Side of Chatbots49:03 Section 230 and Legal Protections01:00:56 Political Will and Bipartisan Efforts01:03:43 Conclusion and Call to Action This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theripcurrent.com/subscribe