Google plans censored search engine for China

Following in the footsteps of fellow tech giants such as Facebook and LinkedIn, Google now has ambitious plans to help the Chinese government in its draconian censorship efforts, the Intercept has reported this week. The company hopes "to launch a censored version of its search engine in China that will blacklist websites and search terms … Continue reading Google plans censored search engine for China

U.S. tech giants come under increasing scrutiny abroad

It seems somewhat unlikely that Washington will muster the willpower to regulate "big tech" in any meaningful way any time soon, even as the industry becomes the focus of growing criticism in the United States. Yet increasingly, the American companies that dominate the digital world are finding themselves the target of foreign critics and regulators. … Continue reading U.S. tech giants come under increasing scrutiny abroad

Iraqi security forces latest weapon? Facebook

If one thing has become clear in the past year or two, it is that even more than in the rest of our lives, on the internet and social media, appearances can be deceiving. From Russian trolling operations that we've heard so much about in the news, to less widely covered (and seemingly less effective) … Continue reading Iraqi security forces latest weapon? Facebook

Social media business models under fire

As controversy continues over investigations into Russian online disinformation programs, the business models of tech companies, and social media companies in particular, have become the target of a growing chorus of criticism. Last week, lawyers for Facebook, Google and Twitter testified on Capitol Hill about Russian purchases of political ads and manipulation of their platforms. … Continue reading Social media business models under fire

Despite Google record fine, ‘super-monopolies’ unlikely to change much

Silicon Valley behemoth Google was hit with a record €2.4 billion ($2.7 billion) fine Tuesday from the European Union for improperly promoting its own services in search results, and ordered to change its practices within 90 days or face further penalties. "We respectfully disagree with the conclusions announced today," Google's general counsel reportedly said, adding … Continue reading Despite Google record fine, ‘super-monopolies’ unlikely to change much

WCry ransomware attack exposes murky NSA-corporate ties yet again

Last week's cyberattack on computers in multiple countries via ransomware known as "WannaCry"  has made numerous headlines and sparked much discussion and criticism. One side of the story of this major security breach to receive less attention, however, is the light it shines on the cozy relationship between major tech companies and the National Security … Continue reading WCry ransomware attack exposes murky NSA-corporate ties yet again

Facebook releases ‘information operations’ report, update on govt. data requests

"I think the idea that fake news on Facebook ... influenced the election in any way is a pretty crazy idea," CEO Mark Zuckerberg said back in November, following Donald Trump's poll-defying win. A new report from the company, however, titled "Information Operations and Facebook," shows just how far the social media giant's position has … Continue reading Facebook releases ‘information operations’ report, update on govt. data requests

Tech industry players push for ‘brain-computer interface’

The development of artificial intelligence involves huge inherent risks, as anyone who has seen a few science fiction movies could probably tell you. Despite understanding this, however, tech tycoons are recklessly pushing to develop dystopian brain-implanted cyborg technologies as they see a chance to profit -- and that the potential for things to go wrong, … Continue reading Tech industry players push for ‘brain-computer interface’

Silicon Valley warms up to Trump

During the election campaign, nearly all of Silicon Valley's biggest tech executives backed Hillary Clinton. But following Donald Trump's victory in November and a meeting last month between the president-elect and tech leaders, Silicon Valley appears to be largely embracing the incoming administration as the political landscape shifts. Eric Schmidt, chairman of Alphabet, parent company … Continue reading Silicon Valley warms up to Trump

China censorship extends known distance Facebook will go to please governments, maximize profits

The New York Times is reporting this week that social media giant Facebook has developed a new "censorship tool" for use by the Chinese government, in the company's latest aggressive move to get into the potentially lucrative Chinese market. The news comes as Facebook begins new controversial blocking of "fake news" in the US, a … Continue reading China censorship extends known distance Facebook will go to please governments, maximize profits