In this episode of the Platform Podcast, we dive into marketplace tax obligations, a realm that has gained immense complexity and importance over the past decade. As marketplaces continue to grow in popularity, a new wave of state-specific tax laws and regulations has emerged, catching many founders and leaders off-guard. Join seasoned tax attorney Nick Furtwengler, as he sheds light on the essential tax responsibilities every marketplace must navigate. With penalties for non-compliance including harsh fines and interest, understanding these obligations is not just advisable—it’s crucial. Whether you’re a marketplace owner, leader or operator, this episode offers invaluable insights into staying on the right side of state regulations and avoiding costly pitfalls.

Marketplace Tax Obligations Leaders Need to Know with Nick Furtwengler

The need to protect children online has reached a global crisis. From child sexual abuse material to sextortion and beyond, the damage being done to children can be irreparable. Twenty year child protection veteran Caroline Humer joins this episode of the Platform Podcast to discuss the scope of the problem and how everyone needs to be part of the solution - legislators, educators, tech companies and parents. From advocacy to education, we need to invest more resources into protecting our children.

Community Approach to Online Child Protection with Caroline Humer

Trust & Safety as a discipline and profession is still relatively early in its development. And, when it comes to trust & safety, there are still no standards, norms or best practices to guide the industry. But, there is a fast-growing, collaborative community of professionals who have been on the frontlines long enough to bestow valuable experience and wisdom that are sure to help others navigate sometimes unclear trust & safety mandates. On this episode, Sittercity Director of Trust & Safety Chelsea Hower shares five lessons from nearly 10 years overseeing nearly all aspects of the trust & safety function at the first childcare platform. Listen as Chelsea imparts listeners with invaluable lessons that are sure to help trust & safety novices and veterans, alike!

Trust & Safety Success: Tips for Professionals with Chelsea Hower

Age verification is one of the hottest topics in trust & safety today. The need to protect children and minors from harmful content and prevent access to age-restricted goods and services is something nearly everyone agrees on. But how do you do that effectively and efficiently, especially when one size does not fit all? While state and federal regulations aim to solve the problem, the actual solutions are significantly more nuanced. Listen to this episode to hear from digital identity expert Garient Evans, SVP of Product Development at Enformion. Garient will explore why age verification matters, how platforms should think about it, and why there's a spectrum of solutions depending on the circumstances.

The Age Verification Conundrum

Not so long ago, platforms were closely associated with Silicon Valley tech startups (and not much else). Technology opened the door for startups to develop new ways of connecting people for a myriad of exchanges - known as platforms. And, the outcome of these platform innovations is 'platform thinking' that is now being applied by established companies and enterprises. On this episode, Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza of Polictecnico di Milano discuss platform thinking - what it is, how companies leverage it, and the main driving forces behind it.

Driving Innovation with Platform Thinking

In order for a platform to succeed, it must have integrity. But what does this mean in practice? In the case of Wolt, it's a cross-functional, holistic focus on the entire community they serve from the entire team. This includes offering courier partners more chances to earn, helping merchants to grow and thrive with more customers, and providing a diverse selection of goods for consumers that brings joy and simplicity to people’s lives. Listen now to learn more about how Wolt puts integrity into action.

Platform Integrity: The Need for Cross-Functional Collaboration

California's new high-volume marketplace seller bill.

Illinois' junk fee bill (and any other federal action / states with junk fee bills as they impact platforms)

Privacy legislation (federal and the 15 states and the ones that are going into force soon)

AI legislation (UT and any others)

1099K threshold

Age verification regulations

Marketplace Regulations

Everyone is at risk of having their information compromised - especially in a world where data is so valuable. If you are a tech company, such a compromise could devastate your business. But there are easy ways to mitigate your cyber risk and protect your company with offensive cybersecurity and some common sense. 

Listen to this episode to hear about both from Azacus.io Co-Founder Nicola Gandy.

Addressing Cyber Risks: Trends, Advice & Solutions

Artificial intelligence seems to be pervading every aspect of our lives - it certainly consumes social media and news feeds. And while AI certainly has many benefits, it also brings some challenges - especially when leveraged as a content moderation tool. The question becomes - what will be the role of humans? 
In this episode, Camilla Hegarty discusses the evolution of content moderation, the role of AI, and the need for humans in the content moderation function.

Content Moderation Evolution from Humans to AI

All too often platforms focus on VC investment to drive hyper-growth, which usually leads to bloated organizations (and in recent times, layoffs). But what if platforms focused on running a lean organization, with more utility players who could function as 'jacks-and-jills-of-all-trades?' The result would create a solid foundation that enables growth, but also stability and flexibility. In this episode, Clutch VP of Marketplace Strategy Ryan Stevens talks about bootstrapping a company to growth, while achieving great metrics and a culture based on lean principles.

Driving Innovation with Platform Thinking

Marketplace Risk

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