Media
Nieman Lab's Predictions for Journalism 2026
"Each year, we ask some of the smartest people in digital media what they think is coming in the year ahead. Here's what they told us." Some essays from the annual collection that caught my eye.
Notable links
Commentary on links that caught my attention around the web.
Culture
Last Call for Mass Market Paperbacks
"The format credited with making books more accessible via low prices and widespread availability will all but vanish from the publishing scene in a few weeks." With it comes a generational loss.
Democracy
T.S.A. Is Providing Air Passenger Data to Immigration Agents for Deportation Effort
"The Trump administration is providing the names of all air travelers to immigration officials, substantially expanding its use of data sharing to expel people under deportation orders."
Notable links
Friday links: December 12, 2025
In the face of government oppression, it's time to encrypt.
AI
Trump Signs Executive Order To Combat State AI Regulation
"President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday intended to limit state regulation of artificial intelligence." At the same time, states are watering theirs down.
Technology
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year
"Wow, we made it. 2025. One of the years of all time." Tumblr didn't die - figuratively or literally - and, honestly, it's just nice to see it.
Democracy
US plans to start checking all tourists' social media
"All tourists will have to undergo a social media screening before being allowed entry into the US under new plans being considered by the country's border force."
Technology
10 Years of Let's Encrypt Certificates
Let's Encrypt is ten years old. It's changed the web for the better.
Technology
The world needs social sovereignty
"By making the news and truth contingent on advertising budgets we’ve created an environment where any narrative can win, as long as the storyteller is willing to pay. If we allow these conditions to continue, we will leave behind the voices that truly matter."
Technology
The Web Runs On Tolerance
"History shows us that all progress comes from the meeting of diverse people, with different ideas, and different backgrounds." The web is no different.
Notable links
Friday links: December 5, 2025
What comes after the AI hype cycle; new community platforms; and more.
Technology
Trump administration orders enhanced vetting for applicants of H-1B visa
Under a new State Department memo, people who keep online spaces safe are now ineligible for H-1B visas.