All Technology
First LookAfter Facebook Papers, how will Congress regulate social media?U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree social media, especially Facebook, needs regulating. While steps like breaking up Big Tech are still on the table, new bills include more incremental protections 鈥� from an 鈥榚rase button鈥� to a new digital 鈥榖ill of rights鈥� for minors.
First LookFacebook Papers reveal slow growth, lack of relevance to youthFacebook is coming under increasing scrutiny for failing to mitigate the social problems it creates and allegedly prioritizing power and profit over the wellbeing of users 鈥� especially as it seeks to remain relevant among youth who see the platform as 鈥渙utdated.鈥澛�
First LookTrump announces his own social media site. Some investors are all in.Donald Trump was known for his social media presence聽鈥� until he was banned after the Jan 6. Capitol riot. Now, he鈥檚 launching Trump Media & Technology Group and a 鈥淭ruth Social鈥� app聽to compete with platforms like Facebook, and investors are already flocking.
First LookThe next big thing? Facebook to hire 10,000 to build 'metaverse.'Facebook has announced plans to hire 10,000 highly skilled聽workers in the European Union to build 鈥渢he metaverse,鈥� a futuristic online space for using augmented and virtual reality. Some observers worry tech giants will monopolize the space for profit.聽
First LookFacebook introduces controls for kids. Is it enough?After a scathing testimony of the harm Facebook platforms can cause younger users, the tech conglomerate is trying to do better by introducing new controls for teens and parents. Critics question the efficacy of the changes and are calling for greater transparency.聽
First LookCan $1T infrastructure package ease racial digital divide?The pandemic made clear how vital virtual accessibility is to society. However, a lack of internet access in rural areas across the United States remains, and a higher proportion of Black Americans are digitally disconnected, shows a recent study.
First LookFacebook's 'snow day': Massive outage reveals world's dependenceOn Monday, a widespread Facebook outage affected up to three billion people around the world who rely on the company鈥檚 services. As one user put it, the outage was聽a 鈥渉uge awakening that social media controls so much of my success in business.鈥�
First Look'Profit over safety'? Facebook whistleblower reveals identity.On Sunday, Frances Haugen revealed herself as the Facebook whistleblower in a 鈥�60 Minutes鈥� interview, alleging the company disregarded safeguards聽to combat disinformation following the 2020 election. She will testify before Congress later this week.
First LookFacebook pauses Insta for kids as critics call out social risksFacebook has delayed a children鈥檚 version of Instagram after scores of critics came out against it. While Facebook already has a messaging service tailored to kids, watchdogs argue Instagram contributes to harmful self-perceptions among teens, especially girls.
First LookAs US expands internet access, cities wary of being left outThe Biden administration has promised to expand affordable internet access across the nation, but an interim rule narrows eligibility for broadband funds. Critics say the administration is prioritizing the needs of rural regions over more populous urban areas.聽
First LookMedia can be sued for Facebook comments, rules Australian courtOn Wednesday, the Australian High Court ruled that media organizations can be sued for defamatory content posted on their social media pages, including in the comments section. To avoid liability, media organizations will need to become content moderators.
First LookTech execs say no to cyberhacks, promise billions in preventionAfter a meeting with President Biden on Wednesday, executives from leading U.S. tech companies, such as Microsoft and Google, pledged billions to bolster their cybersecurity. Mr. Biden insisted that combatting cyberattacks requires private-sector cooperation.聽
First LookTaliban and social media: How should tech companies respond?The Taliban are allowed to operate accounts on Twitter, but not Facebook or YouTube. Now, with the Taliban set to control Afghanistan,聽social platforms must decide if the Taliban should be allowed to run the country鈥檚 official accounts.
First LookWhat does Tesla Autopilot miss? NHTSA opens investigation.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on Monday that it will begin a formal investigation into 765,000 Tesla vehicles, focused on their partially automated driving systems. The probe comes after a series of crashes into emergency vehicles.
First LookWhy Facebook's new prayer request tool is controversialTo support faith communities, Facebook has rolled out a new prayer request feature with an 鈥淚 prayed鈥� response button. For some, the tool is a good way for people of faith to connect; others worry about privacy, security, and whether it discourages in-person fellowship.聽
First LookHackers are getting craftier. Could this simple fix protect data?At a time of widespread digital insecurity, the simple act of turning your phone off and on again can help prevent hackers from stealing your information. The NSA recommends rebooting phones once a week.
First LookAll bite and no bark? Robotic police dogs force debate.A police department in Honolulu has recruited a new member to its force: Spot, the robotic dog. These robots can scout for danger, scan body temperatures, and conduct remote interviews, but some raise privacy concerns and fear they could be weaponized.聽
First LookHow a Texas city coped after debilitating ransomware hackCities in Texas were hit by Russian ransomware attacks before the United States fully acknowledged the cybersecurity threat. Here鈥檚 how they mended the damage without paying millions of dollars to overseas criminals.聽
First LookSafe delivery or security risk? Amazon wants your building key.Amazon has installed thousands of devices that allow delivery workers to enter apartment buildings on their own. The project reduces package theft, proponents say, but some聽experts and tenants聽have raised security and privacy concerns.聽
First LookWho did it? US says China responsible for Microsoft hack.On Monday, the Biden administration faulted China for the Microsoft Exchange email hack earlier this year, and the Justice Department charged four Chinese nationals in another hacking campaign. Officials say this indicates an ongoing Chinese cybersecurity threat.