Broadband in the Omnibus, Facebook on Hate Speech, Advocacy for Keeping Russians Online
The Senate has passed an omnibus spending bill that furthers broadband funding and will now head to Biden’s desk.
Online Sexual Abuse Bill, Internet Freedom at Olympics, Washington Nationals Crypto Deal
A Senate Judiciary bill is facing industry criticism on its effectiveness.
international
Facebook is Failing Iranians, and Iran’s Leaders Are About to Launch a Censored Internet
Social media platforms are harming Iran due to their ignorance of Iranian culture and the nation’s primary dialects.
china
Chinese Entities Blacklisted, Surveillance of Facebook Users, TikTok Algorithm Changes
Commerce and Treasury departments will bar investment and exports for Beijing-aligned companies.
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.
Robocall
Facebook Changes and Second Whistleblower, Comcast’s Spam Call Feature, AT&T Picks Ericsson for 5G
Facebook is nudging teens away from harmful content, Comcast’s new spam call blocker, AT&T goes with Ericsson for standalone 5G.
FCC
Facebook Pauses Instagram for Kids, $1.2B from Emergency Connectivity Fund, Ransomware Attacks
Facebook pauses photo-sharing app for kids, FCC announces $1.2B in first wave of ECF, ransomware attacks on the rise.
Social Media
Members of Congress Request Facebook Halt ‘Instagram For Kids’ Plan Following Mental Health Research Report
Letter follows Wall Street Journal story that reports Facebook knew about mental health damage Instagram has on teens.
Social Media
Facebook’s Oversight Board Members Seek to Clarify the Organization’s Role and Impact
Often characterized in the media as the Supreme Court of Facebook, Oversight Board members explained how the board actually functions.
Antitrust
FTC Divided Over Increasing Agency Jurisdiction at Congressional Hearing
FTC commissioners were split at a Congressional hearing on Wednesday at the prospects of increasing FTC jurisdiction.
FTC
Facebook Requests FTC Recuse Khan, Entry-Level Broadband Prices, FCC’s Open RAN Showcase
Facebook follows Amazon in asking for recusing Khan, Entry-level broadband prices fell, FCC has Open RAN showcase.
Section 230
Companies May Hesitate Bringing Section 230 Arguments in Court Fearing Political Ramifications: Lawyers
Legal experts say changing views on Section 230 will make platforms less willing to employ that defense in future cases.
Section 230
Despite Speculation, Section 230 Is Here to Stay: Rep. Bob Latta
Republican representative Bob Latta said Section 230 is not going anywhere anytime soon.
FCC
Biden Revokes Trump-Era Executive Order Designed To Crack Down On Big Tech
Biden orders FCC and FTC to stand down on Trump-era order targeting social media companies.
Social Media
Oversight Board Upholds Trump’s Ban From Facebook
The Oversight Board has sent the decision back to Facebook management, criticizing it for setting a “standardless” penalty.
Antitrust
Lawmakers And Newsmakers Tackle Google and Facebook Market Power
Sen. Klobuchar, Rep. Cicilline and experts discuss antitrust, big tech and local journalism.
