Federalist Society's New 3-Part Documentary "SHAPED" to Examine Regulatory Impact on Daily Life

Adam Thierer, a prominent innovation and technology policy analyst, has announced the forthcoming release of "SHAPED," a new three-part video series hosted by him and produced by The Federalist Society's Regulatory Transparency Project. The documentary aims to delve into the "hidden boundaries shaping the things Americans use daily," exploring the profound influence of regulations on various aspects of modern life. The series is slated for release in 2025.

The documentary will investigate how rules and regulations impact a wide array of products and services, from the cars people drive and medical treatments they receive to the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. According to Thierer, the series will explore the inherent tensions between innovation and control, as well as safety and freedom. He shared a promo clip for the series, stating: > "Excited to share the promo clip for the forthcoming @FedSoc documentary that I am hosting called 'SHAPED.' It's a new 3-part video series that examines the hidden boundaries shaping the things Americans use daily, including cars, drugs, and now AI / robotics."

Thierer, a Senior Fellow for Technology & Innovation at the R Street Institute, is a vocal proponent of "permissionless innovation." This philosophy advocates for allowing innovators to experiment with new technologies and business models without requiring prior government approval, contrasting it with the "precautionary principle" that demands proof of safety before new ideas can flourish. His extensive background includes roles at the Mercatus Center, the Progress and Freedom Foundation, and the Cato Institute, and he has authored several books on technology policy, including "Permissionless Innovation."

The Federalist Society's Regulatory Transparency Project, which is producing "SHAPED," focuses on analyzing the impact of government regulations and promoting transparency in the regulatory process. The documentary aligns with the project's mission by examining how regulatory frameworks influence technological progress and societal development. The series is expected to provide a critical look at how policy decisions made "behind closed doors" ultimately determine the shape of the future.