More Facebook drama, this time from an interview with WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton. What was most noteworthy, though was the response.
The iPhone XR Delay, India, and China; Discriminatory Job Ads on Facebook; EU Versus Internet Follow-Up
More follow-up on the iPhone, then how discriminatory job ads on Facebook demonstrate how to police bad behavior on platforms with zero marginal costs. Plus, follow-up on The European Union Versus the Internet.
Apple’s iPhone Event, Facebook Fact-Checking, Vimeo Pivots Again
A preview of Apple’s iPhone event, a revelatory controversy about Facebook fact-checking, and yet another pivot by Vimeo thanks to mistakes made years ago
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Augustus; Zuckerberg’s Blindspot; The Liberal Arts Fallacy
The New Yorker is out with a huge profile of Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook; what does the article get right, what is the real problem with Facebook, and where do critics go wrong?
Facebook, Germany, and Filter Bubbles; The Nutella Factor; Facebook’s Response
A new study suggests that Facebook is to blame for increased attacks on refugees in Germany. The data isn’t perfect, but the worries about filter bubbles should be taken seriously.
Facebook Stories Follow-up, Twitter and Newton’s Third Law
History suggests that Stories will be an advertising success; then, the Alex Jones episode shows how un-monopoly-like social networks are.
Another Congressional Hearing, The Genesis of Section 230, The Battle over Section 230
Section 230, which shields Internet companies from liability, is getting more attention: the only attention it should get is as a model for other regulations.
Microsoft and ICE; Tech and Trump, Revisited; Lines and Responsibilities
Microsoft is facing both internal and external pushback for its contract with ICE in the light of the Trump administration decision to separate families at the border; it is time for tech executives to decide where the line is between rhetoric and action.
Spotify’s New Hate Policy, Twitter’s Behavior Policy, YouTube Music and YouTube Premium
Spotify’s new hate policy and Twitter’s behavior policy seem like good things at first glance, but what they suggest about the companies’s power is worrisome. Plus, YouTube’s subscription plans are as confusing as ever.
LaVar Ball and Deciding Viewers; The Logan Paul Controversy; Spectre and Philosophy, Redux
The latest controversy in the basketball world illustrates how the destruction of media business models has far-ranging effects. Then, the Logan Paul controversy, and why the way forward depends on getting core assumptions right.