Facebook gave one of the worst keynotes in a long time: there was no vision, just the adoption of Snap’s. It’s the inevitable outcome of a monopoly.
Airbnb Versus Hotels, The FCC and Differences of Opinion, Airbnb Versus Uber
Opposition to Airbnb is often chalked up to regulatory capture, but it’s not clear that is the case, as illustrated by both the FCC and Uber.
Artificial Intelligence Follow-up, FCC Privacy Rules Overturned, Winners and Losers
A follow-up to The Arrival of Artificial Intelligence, then an explanation of what just happened with ISPs and privacy, and a review of the winners and losers.
The Arrival of Artificial Intelligence
What is artificial intelligence? Is it really any different than technology? In my estimation machine learning is truly something new, and the effects on society will be significant.
Medium and Bundle Economics, Text vs Music vs Video, Another Uber Scandal
More on Medium: the company is trying to sell a bundle, but there are no bundle economics in its favor. Then, Uber has another scandal, with a familiar person at the center.
On Agency Commissions and Fees, Google’s Advertising Changes, Foursquare Analytics
Following up on Ad Agencies and Accountability, first with a correction on agency fees, and then a discussion of Google’s announced changes. Then, Foursquare has completed its multi-year pivot, and it looks like a great business.
Ad Agencies and Accountability
Google is in hot water again, this time for ads placed against objectionable content. However, ad agencies and brands are just as responsible, and can no longer live in the past.
Waymo’s Lawsuit Against Uber, Existential Logic, Uber — and Google’s — Miscalculation
Uber looks to be in very big trouble if the allegations in Waymo’s lawsuit are true; this also may be what finally does in Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. Google, though, messed up too, in the same way they have before.
Tech Morality, Facebook and the BBC, Wikileaks’ CIA Trove
The analysis of technology cannot escape questions of morality, and certainty is dangerous. Plus, the CIA leak, and the difference between exploits and encryption.
The Uber Conflation
It’s easy to conflate criticism of Uber’s regulatory approach with accusations about the company’s culture. That is CEO Travis Kalanick’s responsibility; it’s also a failure of all of tech.