All Technology
First LookBig Tech strikes back: Facebook blocks news in AustraliaIn response to a law that would force Google and Facebook to pay for journalism from Australia, Facebook has decided to cut access to Australian news organizations. The move comes amid a growing battle between governments and the digital giants worldwide.
The ExplainerDoes the future of social media really hinge on these 26 words?Lawmakers aiming to rein in social media companies have targeted legislation known as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. What is CDA230?
First LookParler is relaunching. Can it succeed without Big Tech?Parler is relaunching after Amazon ended its web-hosting agreement in January. The social media site brands itself as pro-free speech and anti-Big Tech censorship, but says it has a process to remove “threatening or inciting content.”
First LookChina bans Clubhouse, a new audio chat app. But what is it?Clubhouse, an invite-only audio chat app that is still in beta mode, has been gaining traction in the past month. Less than a year old, the app’s exclusivity and access to tech industry big shots like Elon Musk has spiked people’s interest.
Crowdsourcing COVID-19: How data-driven groups speed pandemic responseWhere does creativity thrive? In the pandemic, lots of innovation is welling up from grassroots collaboration, tapping data in fresh or nimble ways.
The ExplainerAs tech giants recoil from Trump and Parler, is free speech at risk?Social media clampdowns have been swift in the wake of the violent mob action at the nation’s Capitol. Is it censorship of conservatives?
First LookOver 40 US states and FTC sue Facebook for antitrust conductThe Federal Trade Commission and 48 states and districts sued Facebook over anti-competitive behavior and abusing its market dominance. Scrutiny of Big Tech has been ramping up as lawmakers push for stronger oversight of the industry.
First LookEU privacy reform could impede efforts to combat child abuseA directive set to take effect in the European Union on Dec. 20 will curb image and text-scanning tools used by big tech platforms. Critics of the tools say they infringe on privacy rights, but others are worried the ban will impede efforts in tackling online child abuse.
The Explainer‘Free speech social media’? Three questions about Parler.Efforts by Twitter and Facebook to stem misinformation inspired some conservative users to seek an alternative. Parler has emerged as that option.
The ExplainerWhy Big Tech faces rising pressure in Congress and courtsThe Justice Department is suing Google over its dominance in search. Hearings in Congress are looking at alleged media bias, among other concerns.
First LookOnline exams raise concerns of racial bias in facial recognitionAs students take exams remotely, universities around the world are adopting proctoring software that uses facial recognition systems. Some complain the systems are racially biased or overly invasive.
First LookHas Facebook done enough for the 2020 US presidential election?Facebook says it has taken steps to tackle misinformation after its platform was misused in the 2016 U.S. election. But critics are skeptical, saying the safeguards remain insufficient.
First LookYouTube joins Twitter and Facebook to ban QAnon contentYouTube announced it will ban conspiracy theories used to justify violence in an effort to stem the spread of QAnon. Proponents say the move is a step in the right direction, though YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter allowed QAnon to grow for years on their sites.
Why this sci-tech journalist ditched his smartphoneMonitor staffer Eoin O’Carroll is no Luddite. But after a decade of being tethered to a smartphone, he’s decided to dial it back to a physical keypad.
First Look'Great women like you': Twitter bot battles sexism with kindnessOnline harassment of New Zealand’s female political candidates has increased ahead of the country’s Oct. 17 general election. But a new Twitter bot is countering sexism online by detecting abusive posts and tweeting words of encouragement in response.
First LookLawmakers call for breakup of Big Tech, citing abuse of powerA report by a House Judiciary Committee found that Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple have “abused their market power” and called for the U.S. Congress to overhaul tech laws, a move that could break up the companies.
First LookJudge temporarily postpones Trump administration's ban on TikTokThe Trump administration tried to ban TikTok from U.S. app stores over national security concerns. But a federal judge has temporarily postponed the ban following a Sunday hearing.
First LookUS to curb access to Chinese-owned apps TikTok, WeChatEarlier this week, TikTok announced a deal with the American company Oracle that would keep the Chinese-owned app operating in the U.S. Now the Trump administration has announced restrictions on both TikTok and WeChat, citing security risks.
How video games are teaching the world to speak EnglishIncreasingly, video game players are finding that along with their high scores and world-building, they are also acquiring new language skills.
First LookLong road ahead as TikTok selects Oracle to be US partnerThe Trump administration threatened to ban the Beijing-based video app over concerns that the Chinese government could gain access to American users' data. The Oracle deal, if approved, lets TikTok continue operating in the U.S., but details remain unclear.
