Mark Zuckerberg’s keynote at Oculus 4 gave the clearest indication yet why Facebook might be interested in Virtual Reality. Then, Trump challenges the first amendment, so why are folks eager for regulation of content? Plus, Facebook isn’t trustworthy either.
Trustworthy Networking
The problems Facebook are facing today are the result of running into the future without considering unintended consequences, much like Microsoft and the Internet. There are clear solutions for the ad problem, but the filter bubble issue is much more fraught.
Uber Loses London License (Pending Appeal), The Idea of Uber, Uber’s Existential Test
Uber is losing its London license, pending appeal: whether or not the company gets it back is a test of the company’s long-term viability. Plus, why Facebook has to realize that facts are not enough.
The Super-Aggregators and the Russians
Facebook is in trouble — again — for Russian ads about the election; figuring out how to deal with them requires first understanding that Facebook, like Google, is a Super-Aggregator. It faces zero transaction costs in all parts of its business.
Amazon’s Second Headquarters, Amazon’s Internal Primitives, Facebook and Political Ads
Amazon is uniquely capable of having a second headquarters, and don’t be surprised if politics influences the choice of location. Then, Facebook should learn from Amazon about picking battles. Plus, a brief preview of Apple’s iPhone event.
Google and The New America Foundation, Google’s Monopoly, Google’s Stupidity
Google allegedly had a think tank team fired for suggesting the company was a monopoly; it was a stupid action that makes the case.
Benchmark’s Letter to Uber Employees, Is Benchmark Right?, Intel CEO Leaves Trump Advisory Board
Follow-up on Benchmark’s suit against Uber, and then why it is time for tech to draw the line with President Trump.
Mark Zuckerberg: Politician, not President, EU to Fine Google, Amazon Prime Wardrobe
Mark Zuckerberg may be acting like a politician, but I highly doubt he is running for President. Then, Google will be fined by the EU, and Amazon launched Prime Wardrobe
Facebook Content Guidelines, Facebook Video, Amazon Prime Video on Apple TV
Facebook faces a daunting challenge when it comes to policing content, but it is a challenge the company brought on itself. Then, Facebook’s video tab is competing against YouTube, not Amazon or Netflix, and business models explain why — and probably explain the Amazon-Apple truce.
Not OK, Google
Google is making an algorithmic change to demote fake news, but its lack of transparency around its actions is concerning in its own right.