Meta’s newly launched Instagram Teen Accounts aim to address concerns over online safety, but many argue it’s just a superficial fix. With significant gaps in protection for teens and the onus falling heavily on parents, the platform’s measures may not be enough to shield young users from harassment, discrimination, and predatory behavior.
Kamala Harris’ Silicon Valley fundraising has quickly outpaced Trump’s, despite his early inroads. But these wealthy tech donors have made no secret about what they might want in return, raising alarm bells with watchdog groups.
In an increasingly digital world, navigating the ethical challenges of data privacy, AI bias, and the digital divide has become more urgent than ever. By addressing these issues head-on, we can build a more equitable digital future that protects individual rights and promotes social justice.
A landmark U.S. court ruling has declared Google’s stranglehold on the search engine market illegal, calling into question the tech giant’s future. As this high-stakes antitrust battle unfolds, the outcome could radically redefine internet competition and reshape the digital world.
Brief #113 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
AI’s rapid rise is accelerating energy consumption and greenhouse emissions at an alarming rate, posing a serious environmental threat that rivals pandemics and nuclear war. With data centers and extensive computational workloads driving this surge, the urgent question remains: do we truly need this technology given its staggering climate cost?
Brief #112 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
Despite his controversial legacy, Donald Trump continues to garner significant financial backing from influential tech moguls like Steve Schwarzman and David Sacks. These tech titans, who once voiced their opposition, are now rallying behind Trump, driven by his anti-regulation stance that aligns with their business interests.
Brief #111 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
Artificial intelligence holds the potential to both revive California’s tech industry and jeopardize the integrity of its elections, as Supervisor Dean Preston cautions. With groundbreaking AI legislation on the line and facing intense opposition from industry players, California stands at a critical juncture in shaping its future.
Brief #110 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
In Kara Swisher’s memoir “Burn Book,” she delves into the glamorous yet contentious world of the tech industry, offering insights into the lives of influential figures like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs. Swisher’s narrative navigates the intersection of power, wealth, and influence, shedding light on the untold stories behind Silicon Valley’s rise to prominence.
Brief #109 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
Regulators worldwide are grappling with the proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes, which pose significant threats ranging from election manipulation to the spread of explicit content targeting minors. While some legislative efforts have been initiated, concerns persist over the effectiveness of voluntary regulations and the need for comprehensive legal measures to address the emotional and reputational harm caused by deepfakes.
Brief #108 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
In the ongoing struggle for social media regulation, Congress grapples with complex challenges and CEO resistance, while state-level initiatives present contrasting approaches. In the midst of skepticism towards Mark Zuckerberg’s apology, urgent calls for comprehensive legislative action resonate against a backdrop of legal battles and heightened Supreme Court scrutiny.
Brief #107 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
Facial Recognition Technology uses software to evaluate similarities between face images. The General Services Administration is carrying out a study to test potential racial bias in facial recognition technology systems that it is considering using as identifiers for accessing federal benefits.
Brief #106 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Steve Piazza
With an unwieldy number of users, TikTok already faces an uphill battle employing a security system that works effectively to protect its users. But with all the protections in place, workarounds still exist and savvy youngsters know how to exploit the loopholes.