Big Tech
Year in Review: With Key Hires On Antitrust and Looming Regulation, A Look Back at Big Tech in 2021
Big technology companies faced hurdles in 2021 — and it’s only the beginning of a Biden administration crackdown.
Expert Opinion
Jason Boyce: Washington Cannot Let Amazon Water Down Consumer Protection Legislation
It is in Amazon’s interest to twist the arm of lawmakers and prevent protections against internet scams.
988 Lifeline
Facebook Wins Data Privacy Lawsuit, Carriers Oppose Backup Power Mandates, Action on Suicide Site
A judge ruled Facebook cannot be held liable for securities fraud in data leaks related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
IIJA
Ajit Pai’s Views on IIJA, Outreach Needed for Broadband Adoption, Meta Voted ‘Worst Company’
The former FCC chairman said mapping issues need to be resolved before money leaves the door.
China
Chinese Entities Blacklisted, Surveillance of Facebook Users, TikTok Algorithm Changes
Commerce and Treasury departments will bar investment and exports for Beijing-aligned companies.
Privacy
Accountability is First Step to Ensuring Data Privacy, Protecting Human Rights, Expert Says
Jessica Dheere said surveillance-based business models are negatively impacting consumers’ digital rights.
Defense
Senate Commerce Urges Facebook Probe, Chinese Export Restrictions, Microsoft IoT Security Survey
Senators are concerned over Facebook’s practices for advertising and hate speech moderation.
Big Tech
Free Speech Advocates Contemplate International Human Rights Obligations on Big Tech
Experts want corporations held to standards for the volume of information on their platforms.
Australia
No Cyber Reporting in Defense Bill, Newspapers Sue Social Platforms, 6 GHz Use
Republican interests in the Senate squashed cyber reporting requirements in a bipartisan draft of the bill.
Rosenworcel Confirmed, Rohingya Meta Class Action, FTTH Builds Increase, WOW! Offers 1 Gig
FCC chairwoman cleared, refocusing attention on party tie-breaking nominee Gigi Sohn.
Big Tech
Frances Haugen, U.S. House Witnesses Say Facebook Must Address Social Harms
The former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower said the company must be accountable for the social harm it causes.
ARPA
Sohn Broadcast Ties Questioned, Broadband in Baltimore, Facebook Asked to Sell Giphy in U.K.
The National Association of Broadcasters raised concern about FCC nominee Gigi Sohn’s ties to defunct streaming service Locast.
Infrastructure
TPI New Broadband Map, Justice Dept. Stands for Section 230, Ericsson Looks to Acquire Vonage
TPI released their broadband map, which tracks speeds, availability, and adoption rates across the country.
Broadband Live
Experts Warn Against Total Repeal of Section 230
Panelists note shifting definition of offensive content.
Amazon
House Passes Reconciliation Bill, State AGs Investigate Instagram, Broadband’s Q3 Rebound
President Biden’s social safety net and climate package now faces hurdles in the Senate.
Infrastructure
Facebook Lobbying Congress on Blockchain Policy
The registration comes after the company rebranded to Meta, taking it beyond its social media origins.
