Technology

Brief #64 – Technology Policy
By Maureen Darby-Serson

Last month, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was ordered to pay the families of the Sandy Hook massacre over $49 million in damages for spreading false claims that the mass shooting was a hoax. He was forced to pay to a group of parents that sued him and to an individual parent that sued him separately. And this is just one recent instance of a conspiracy theorist being forced to face the music after making hurtful claims about individuals or events.

Brief #62 – Technology
By Christopher Quinn

Wireless communications systems use radio frequencies (also known as spectrum) to carry information through the air. 5G operates in the same way, but uses higher radio frequencies that are less cluttered. This allows for it to carry more information at a much faster rate. 5G also works closely with the iCloud to store and retrieve data.

Brief #60 – Technology
By Christopher Quinn

In 2023 Google Chrome is phasing out third party cookies. What this means is the entire global browser market will no longer track users’ every move across the web. Safari, Firefox and Brave already block third-party cookies by default to protect users’ privacy. Google Chrome currently holds 64.9 percent of the global browsing market.

Brief #59 – Technology
By Christopher Quinn

A major piece of legislation that could re-shape the tech industry is just a few steps away from becoming law.

The American Innovation and Choice Online Act, S.2992 (117) led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) and Chuck Grassley (R- Iowa) would prohibit dominant tech platforms from what its sponsors believe amounts to unfairly ranking their services above those of its rivals. The new law would help small businesses and entrepreneurs by barring Amazon, for instance, from giving preference to its own products.

Brief #69 – Technology
By Erik Pillar

Virtual reality in the modern age sees increased potential for online learning and education amidst the continued Covid-19 pandemic.