TECHNOLOGY
Latest Technology Posts
New Tech Regulation Bill Being Considered by Congress American Innovation and Choice Online Act
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.
Animal Thrives on Facebook
Brief #58 – Technology
By JA Angelo
With the discovery of the internet, the illegal sale of wildlife became even more popular around the world. Some of the more popular animals and animal parts poachers sold included elephant ivory, tiger cubs, rhino horns, and pangolin scales.
Is Internet Isolationism Possible?
Brief #57 – Technology
By JA Angelo
Internet isolation has been the talk of the block recently as Russia continues to invade Ukraine. However, many do not know what internet isolationism means. Isolationism is an international relations term used to describe a country that cuts itself off from the outside world. Therefore, internet isolationism is when a country prevents the use of the Internet to disseminate outside information to its citizens.
Will the United States Adopt Europe’s Digital Markets Act?
Brief #56 – Technology
By JA Angelo
The European Union continues to lead the way in developing tech policies. In its most recent efforts, the EU passed the Digital Markets Act regulating big tech firms’ efforts to monopolize e-commerce, digital advertising, app stores, and other digital tools we rely on daily to organize our lives. The new law means that Google can no longer send targeted ads without its user’s consent and that Apple would need to offer mobile apps outside of the App Store.
Virtual Realty Education: The Future is Now.
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.
Two Federal Agencies Clash Over the Rollout of 5G Technology
Brief #68 – Technology
By Salim Rizvi
After weeks of haggling and scrambling over the rollouts of new 5G wireless network services near airports, the federal regulator of airlines operations i.e. The Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) and wireless communication companies have agreed upon a system to fly planes safely even as the new wireless technology is rolled out.
How YouTube Stokes Political Division
Brief #67 – Technology Policy
By Erik Pillar
Social media algorithms, political echo chambers, and more are feeding into an ever-increasing disparity between rightwing-leftwing political perspectives.
How Facebook Breeds Civil Conflict and Hatred Around the World
Brief #66 – Technology Policy
By Stephan Lherisson
Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, leaked Facebook internal documents to the press, federal regulators, and Congress. The content of those documents showed how the social media platform uses potentially damaging algorithms to drive up use by its users while disregarding the negative effects of those algorithms including polarizing attitudes and divisiveness. Such attitudes have been proven to contribute to violence in places like Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and India.
Surveillance Technology: A Useful Tool or a Threat to Our Security
Brief #65 – Technology
By Stephan Lherissen
Cities around the nation are adopting legislation that puts limits on the use of surveillance technology by their respective police forces. These cities are at the forefront of policy that could be adopted nationally by the federal government. These laws are being considered by some and established by others in response to growing criticism that these technologies do not respect the rights and privacy of citizens.
New Tech Regulation Bill Being Considered by Congress American Innovation and Choice Online Act
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.
Animal Thrives on Facebook
Brief #58 – Technology
By JA Angelo
With the discovery of the internet, the illegal sale of wildlife became even more popular around the world. Some of the more popular animals and animal parts poachers sold included elephant ivory, tiger cubs, rhino horns, and pangolin scales.
Is Internet Isolationism Possible?
Brief #57 – Technology
By JA Angelo
Internet isolation has been the talk of the block recently as Russia continues to invade Ukraine. However, many do not know what internet isolationism means. Isolationism is an international relations term used to describe a country that cuts itself off from the outside world. Therefore, internet isolationism is when a country prevents the use of the Internet to disseminate outside information to its citizens.
Will the United States Adopt Europe’s Digital Markets Act?
Brief #56 – Technology
By JA Angelo
The European Union continues to lead the way in developing tech policies. In its most recent efforts, the EU passed the Digital Markets Act regulating big tech firms’ efforts to monopolize e-commerce, digital advertising, app stores, and other digital tools we rely on daily to organize our lives. The new law means that Google can no longer send targeted ads without its user’s consent and that Apple would need to offer mobile apps outside of the App Store.
Virtual Realty Education: The Future is Now.
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.
Two Federal Agencies Clash Over the Rollout of 5G Technology
Brief #68 – Technology
By Salim Rizvi
After weeks of haggling and scrambling over the rollouts of new 5G wireless network services near airports, the federal regulator of airlines operations i.e. The Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) and wireless communication companies have agreed upon a system to fly planes safely even as the new wireless technology is rolled out.
How YouTube Stokes Political Division
Brief #67 – Technology Policy
By Erik Pillar
Social media algorithms, political echo chambers, and more are feeding into an ever-increasing disparity between rightwing-leftwing political perspectives.
How Facebook Breeds Civil Conflict and Hatred Around the World
Brief #66 – Technology Policy
By Stephan Lherisson
Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, leaked Facebook internal documents to the press, federal regulators, and Congress. The content of those documents showed how the social media platform uses potentially damaging algorithms to drive up use by its users while disregarding the negative effects of those algorithms including polarizing attitudes and divisiveness. Such attitudes have been proven to contribute to violence in places like Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and India.
Surveillance Technology: A Useful Tool or a Threat to Our Security
Brief #65 – Technology
By Stephan Lherissen
Cities around the nation are adopting legislation that puts limits on the use of surveillance technology by their respective police forces. These cities are at the forefront of policy that could be adopted nationally by the federal government. These laws are being considered by some and established by others in response to growing criticism that these technologies do not respect the rights and privacy of citizens.
The Facebook Files Follow-Up: Facebook’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week
Brief #64 – Technology
By Scout Burchill
Frances Haugen, the whistleblower behind the Wall Street Journal’s hugely-consequential Facebook Files (see Brief #64 for more details) took center stage earlier this month, revealing her identity in a primetime interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes before testifying in front of Congress in a series of high-profile hearings. Haugen’s revelations, coupled with an hours-long complete blackout of all Facebook-owned platforms, added up to one of Facebook’s worst weeks ever.