Former President Barack Obama has called for the regulation of tech companies and the altering of their algorithms to promote “common conversation” on social media platforms. Recode reports that during a speech at MIT’s Sloan Sports Conference last Friday, former President Barack Obama called for the regulation of tech companies and stated that they are “public goods,” not just for-profit companies, and should be treated as such. Obama also suggested that social media companies change their algorithms to promote “common conversation” on their platforms.“I do think the large platforms — Google and Facebook being the most obvious, Twitter and others as well, are part of that ecosystem — have to have a conversation about their business model that recognizes they are a public good as well as a commercial enterprise,” said Obama. “They’re not just an invisible platform, they’re shaping our … [Read more...] about Obama Calls for Tech Companies to Alter Algorithms to Promote ‘Common Conversation’
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Report: American Public in Favor of Big Tech Regulation
According to a recently published survey, the majority of Americans are worried that the U.S. government won’t do enough to regulate big tech companies. A survey conducted by Axios and SurveyMonkey has revealed that the majority of Americans are worried about the growing power of large tech companies and the government’s failure to regulate them. According to the poll, in just the past three months concern over government inaction to regulate tech companies rose by 15 percentage points. This represents a large shift in the public perception of Silicon Valley in a short period of time, which may be partly due to the increased reliance on tech in people everyday lives.According to the Axios-SurveyMonkey poll from November, shortly after representatives of Facebook, Google, and Twitter testified before Congress about their role in the 2016 presidential elections, approximately four in 10 Americans were worried that the government would fail to … [Read more...] about Report: American Public in Favor of Big Tech Regulation
Rep. Greg Walden: Regulation Coming if Big Tech Is Not Responsible
House Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) argued at an Axios event on Wednesday that regulation will come for big tech companies if they are not responsible. “I’m not looking for a lot of regulation, I’m looking for responsibility,” Walden suggested. “If responsibility doesn’t flow, then regulation will.”Walden chairs the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, which regulates technology issues. A new Axios poll released on Wednesday revealed that a 55 percent Americans remain concerned that the governor will not do enough to regulate how Silicon Valley companies operate.The poll also suggested that 45 percent of Republicans argue that the government has not gone far enough to regulate tech companies, 64 percent of Democrats agree with this notion, and 57 percent of Independents agree with this idea as well. Fifty-five percent of Americans also believe that social media also does more to hurt democracy and free … [Read more...] about Rep. Greg Walden: Regulation Coming if Big Tech Is Not Responsible
Before-and-after Google Street View photos of ‘Amazonia’ reveal how the tech giant transformed Seattle
Leanna Garfield, provided by Published 7:01 am, Thursday, March 1, 2018 Today, the company dominates South Lake Union and much of the city, where it employs over 40,000 people and has over 37 offices. And its campus is still growing. Since Amazon arrived, South Lake Union has seen a 50% jump in the number of people working there, contributing to a construction boom. And Amazon has continued to spur an influx of high-skilled tech workers. South Lake Union's transformation is easy to see. Buildings have gotten higher and fancier, independent businesses have shuttered, and run-down parking lots have turned into shiny redevelopments. Recommended Video: Now Playing: Amazon is About to Lay Off Hundreds of Employees According to the Seattle Times, hundreds of corporate employees will be cut. Many of the cuts will reportedly be from the retail division. The exact number has yet to be revealed though they will be from all across the United … [Read more...] about Before-and-after Google Street View photos of ‘Amazonia’ reveal how the tech giant transformed Seattle
Want to know the real Marshawn Lynch? Stop by Oakland Tech
Rosemary Whisenton, mother of 49ers QB Josh Johnson and aunt to Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch, joins Oakland Tech in supporting Lynch’s bid for another Super Bowl victory. She’s one of many at the school who are unhappy with the media and the NFL’s treatment of Lynch. OAKLAND — Welcome to the place where Marshawn Lynch does talk. Without the threat of a fine hanging over his head. With his jovial spirit on display. It’s a place where he is accepted for whom he is, rough edges and all, and respected for what he does. It’s Oakland Technical High School. “He’s a regular here,” said Karega Hart, the boys’ basketball coach and a special education instructor. “The kids have even gotten over him being a superstar. He’s just Marshawn.” Walking these halls, which I used to call my own many years before Lynch’s arrival, there is little sense that a beloved son is on the cusp of greatness. With the Super Bowl … [Read more...] about Want to know the real Marshawn Lynch? Stop by Oakland Tech