The safety blueprint: 7 resources every trust and safety pro knows

Trust and safety is a challenging field, and staying informed can sometimes feel like a full-time job. But whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, curating your information sources is key to keeping up with industry trends.

To help you stay up to date, understand the latest regulations and enhance your moderation strategies, we’ve put together a list of essential trust and safety resources to read or listen to. From newsletters and podcasts by tech journalists to thought-leadership and policy advice from industry veterans, these are some of the resources that WebPurify regularly refers to – and that anyone invested in the future of trust and safety should explore. Also, don’t miss our guide to the top trust and safety events to mark in your calendars!

1. Platformer by Casey Newton (Substack)

Casey Newton’s Platformer is a must-read for anyone interested in tech news, with a particular focus on trust and safety. Casey has a knack for explaining complex issues in a way that’s both approachable and insightful. His coverage of trust and safety topics is thoroughly researched and he offers a candid look at what’s happening behind the scenes in the tech industry.

2. LinkedIn thought leaders to follow

LinkedIn is home to a number of valuable voices in the trust and safety community. Some standout individuals to follow include:

• Mark Little: A journalist and former Twitter executive, Mark is well-known for his deep understanding of platform dynamics and the challenges of content moderation. He frequently discusses the evolving nature of digital trust and shares insights that can help shape better moderation policies.
  Mark Little’s LinkedIn
• Alice Hunsberger: With years of experience in trust and safety, Alice offers practical knowledge on building safer online communities. She’s a great resource for best practices in policy implementation and enforcement, often sharing her perspectives on the latest industry developments.
  Alice Hunsberger’s LinkedIn
• Vaishnavi J: A strong advocate for child safety, Vaishnavi shares content that spans online safety, regulatory changes, and the ethical dimensions of content moderation. Her posts often encourage deeper thinking around the impact of digital policies on user rights and safety. Don’t miss our interview with Vaishnavi on how brands and platforms can protect children and young shoppers on e-commerce sites.
  Vaishnavi J’s LinkedIn
• Alex Popken and Ailís Daly: WebPurify’s own experts, Alex and Ailís provide nuanced perspectives on the challenges of content moderation, from balancing regulatory requirements to addressing the needs of diverse user communities and more. Their insights are invaluable for those looking to refine their own moderation practices and policies.
  Alex Popken’s LinkedIn and Ailís Daly’s LinkedIn

3. Tech journalism: The Verge & Wired

Outlets like The Verge and Wired provide in-depth tech journalism, often covering many of the broader issues surrounding trust and safety. As Alex Popken, VP of Trust & Safety at WebPurify, notes, “Reputable tech journalism offers in-depth analyses that help us understand the broader context of trust and safety challenges. They often do an excellent job of making complex technical topics digestible while providing context on why they matter to the average person, helping you understand the bigger picture.”

4. Ctrl-Alt-Speech & Everything in Moderation

Ctrl-Alt-Speech is a fantastic weekly podcast from Ben Whitelaw and Mike Masnick (of Techdirt) that pairs well with the Everything in Moderation newsletter. Ailís Daly, Head of Trust & Safety, EMEA at WebPurify, says, “Podcasts like Ctrl-Alt-Speech offer deep dives into the complexities of content moderation, providing valuable perspectives that are both educational and thought-provoking.”

These resources often focus on the many nuanced challenges that come with content moderation, such as balancing free speech with safety, and regulatory shifts. Listening in can give you a comprehensive view of both current events and philosophical debates in the trust and safety space.

5. Pivot podcast

Hosted by journalist Kara Swisher and NYU professor Scott Galloway, the Pivot podcast covers the biggest tech stories of the week, and trust and safety issues often feature prominently. While the focus is typically on tech companies at large, many episodes touch on moderation and platform responsibility. Mixing humor with deep insight, Pivot is an engaging way to stay informed.

6. Industry newsletters: TSPA’s Now Safe For Work

The Trust & Safety Professional Association (TSPA) publishes the monthly Now Safe For Work newsletter, a go-to resource for anyone working in trust and safety. (N)SFW highlights important news, emerging trends, and offers a community feel that helps keep professionals connected. WebPurify supports TSPA, so it’s particularly relevant, and the insights are always on point.

7. Google Alerts for Trust and Safety

Setting up Google Alerts with key phrases such as “content moderation,” “trust and safety policy,” and “online regulation,” among others, can help you stay informed in real-time. It’s an easy and effective way to track diverse viewpoints, and to stay ahead of breaking news and regulatory changes as and when they happen.

Alex says, “I find Google Alerts incredibly helpful for staying on top of the latest developments because they allow me to draw from a wide range of sources, ensuring I don’t miss key updates that might not always get covered in the media.”