Mike Benz is a former official with the U.S. Department of State, known for his work in international communications and digital freedom. He has played a significant role in advocating for internet freedom and the protection of online expression. Benz is the founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online, an organization dedicated to promoting free speech and digital rights around the world. His work focuses on countering authoritarian censorship and supporting the rights of individuals to access and share information freely. His background includes expertise in foreign affairs and digital policy, often emphasizing the importance of a free and open internet as a fundamental human right. Through his advocacy, Benz has sought to engage policymakers and the public on issues related to digital governance, censorship, and the implications of technology for democracy. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoujZQZatbqy4KGcgjpVxQ/join Shawn Ryan Show Links SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ShawnRyanShow Sign up: https://shawnryanshow.com/pages/newsletter Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite Download Free Content: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lF-8_5jwRc5eAhzDkqqCOp-6yvd05vAw?usp=sharing Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shawn-ryan-show/id1492492083 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eodRZd3qR9VT1ip1wI7xQ?si=59f9d106e56a4509 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on X: https://twitter.com/ShawnRyanShow SRS Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4pqo9Uoh0WuUKxw0BmaK1yrg9Kd7E4lk #vigilanceelite #shawnryanshow Mike Benz Links: FFO Foundation - https://foundationforfreedomonline.com X - https://x.com/mikebenzcyber IG - https://www.instagram.com/MikeBenzCyber Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://preparewithshawn.com https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner 00:00 - Introduction 13:11 - The Blob 19:07 - 2014 Censorship & the Ukraine connection 29:00 - Influencing international censorship policy 32:35 - The power of ‘The Blob’ 48:06 - Elon/X free speech proxy war 55:43 - DHS censorship threats 1:30:17 - Headway in Congress 1:42:20 - How do we gain powerr over tech companies? 1:51:24 - Tim Walz China connection 1:56:38 - Burisma & why we’re in Ukraine 2:29:14 - Free speech on the internet 2:37:21 - World War 3