Talking Tech with Becca Branum & John Coleman on Free Speech & AI

Talking Tech with Becca Branum & John Coleman on Free Speech & AI

From CDT Tech Talks by Center for Democracy and Technology

June 3, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the governance of AI in relation to free expression and public policy.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, policymakers, technologists, and advocates are grappling with a critical question: how do we govern AI while protecting free expression? In this episode we will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, free speech, and public policy. From AI-powered content moderation to generative AI tools, emerging technologies are reshaping how information is created, shared, and regulated. What role should governments play in overseeing these systems? Where is the line between responsible regulation and censorship? And how can we safeguard fundamental rights while fostering innovation? To unpack these complex issues, we’re joined by John Coleman, Legislative Counsel on AI and Free Expression at FIRE, and Becca Branum, Deputy Director of CDT’s Free Expression Project. Together, they discuss the evolving policy landscape, the challenges posed by AI-driven speech technologies, and what the future of free expression may look like in an AI-powered world.

People in this episode

Guests: Becca Branum, John Coleman

Topics covered

  • artificial intelligence
  • free speech
  • public policy
  • content moderation
  • generative AI
  • innovation

Keywords

  • AI
  • free speech
  • content moderation
  • public policy
  • generative AI
  • regulation
  • censorship

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Center for Democracy and Technology, FIRE

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