Privacy
The Internet generally and the business models of consumer tech companies specifically mean that the default outcome is the end of privacy.
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Apple’s position on privacy seems unimpeachable, but it ignores trade-offs, and risks a bad outcome for the Internet as a whole.
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The current privacy debate is making things worse by not considering trade-offs, the inherent nature of digital, or the far bigger problems that come with digitizing the offline world.
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Just as encryption is only viable on closed systems, so it is that increased privacy regulations will only entrench walled gardens. That should affect thinking on regulation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Spotify to Buy Soundcloud?, Apple Logs iMessage Contacts, Aetna and Apple Watch
Once you understand Spotify’s long-term business model buying Soundcloud makes a lot of sense. Then, Apple didn’t do anything wrong with iMessages, other than show they’re (rightfully) not privacy absolutists. Plus a few quick words on a big deal with Aetna.
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BuzzFeed Reorganizes, WhatsApp Eases Privacy Rules
BuzzFeed reorganizes and thus reemphasizes their new business model. Unfortunately, it’s a business model that doesn’t necessarily need news. Then, WhatsApp predictably eases their privacy policy, their CEO’s previous declarations notwithstanding.
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Tim Cook on Security, Microsoft’s Boot Loader Mistake, NSA Exploits Stolen
Tim Cook had a very good explanation for why Apple stood up to the FBI, and two different episodes this week showed why he was right.
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WWDC Followup: Apple Watch, Apple TV, Siri, Privacy
A follow-up on the specifics of Apple’s 2016 WWDC keynote, with a focus on Apple Watch, Apple TV, Siri, and Privacy.