Culture

Misinformation works, and a handful of social ‘supersharers’ sent 80% of it in 2020

The studies, by researchers at MIT, Ben-Gurion University, Cambridge and Northeastern, were independently conducted but complement each other well.

Modi-led coalition’s election win signals policy continuity in India – but also spending cuts

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has emerged victorious in India’s 2024 general election, but with a smaller majority compared to 2019.

New York moves to limit kids’ access to ‘addictive feeds’

New York’s state legislature has passed a bill that would prohibit social media companies from showing so-called “addictive feeds” to children under 18, unless they obtain parental consent.

DC’s political class doesn’t know Y Combinator exists — yet

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Kilimo helps farmers save water and get paid for it

Cheap irrigation has transformed many regions around the world into breadbaskets, but it also means that there can be little left for other uses.

Forget the debate, the Supreme Court just declared open season on regulators

As the country reels from a presidential debate that left no one looking good, the Supreme Court has swooped in with what could be one of the most consequential decisions it has ever made, in the context of the tech industry.

Supreme Court sends Texas and Florida social media regulation laws back to lower courts

The Supreme Court on Monday vacated two judicial decisions concerning Republican-backed laws from Florida and Texas aimed at limiting social media companies’ ability to moderate content on their platforms.

Microsoft-owned adtech Xandr accused of EU privacy breaches

An adtech business owned by Microsoft is the target of a complaint backed by European privacy advocacy group, noyb — a nonprofit that punches far above its…

Google halts Gemini AI image generation over racial accuracy concerns

Google’s Gemini AI has recently found itself in a bit of a quandary.

What Kamala Harris has said about AI, tech regulation, and more

With President Joe Biden dropping out of the race, Vice President Kamala Harris may become the Democrats’ new nominee.

Apple reaches its first contract agreement with a US retail union

Two years ago, workers at an Apple Store in Towson, Maryland were the first to establish a formally recognized union at an Apple retail store in the United States.

Spain Launches Investigation Into Apple’s App Store

Spain’s competition authority has launched an investigation into Apple’s App Store over potential anti-competitive practices that could result in hefty fines (via Reuters).

MatPat, the first big YouTuber to successfully exit his company, is lobbying for creators on Capitol Hill

Though MatPat retired from YouTube, he’s still pretty busy.

Controversial internet bill KOSA passed by Senate

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has passed in the Senate after Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pushed the internet bill to a vote.

Spain’s antitrust watchdog fines Booking.com nearly $450M for unfair terms and restricting rivals

Apple Files Motion to Dismiss Department of Justice Antitrust Lawsuit

Apple today filed a motion to dismiss its ongoing lawsuit with the United States Department of Justice, a standard step in the litigation process.

Google loses massive antitrust case over search, will appeal ruling

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UK’s internet regulator warns social media platforms over risks of inciting violence

As unrest fueled by disinformation spreads, the UK may seek stronger power to regulate tech platforms

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Apple Halts Indian Antitrust Probe With Confidentiality Complaint

India’s Competition Commission has recalled two investigative reports accusing Apple of antitrust violations after the company raised concerns about the disclosure of confidential commercial information (via Reuters).

Apple Allows Spotify to Show Pricing Info to EU Users in iPhone App

Spotify says it has received approval from Apple to display pricing information in its iOS app for users in the European Union, following its years-long legal struggle with the company.

X says it’s closing operations in Brazil

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, said today that it’s ending operations in Brazil, although the service will remain available to users in the country.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp is ‘not going to apologize’ for military work

Data analytics company Palantir has faced criticism and even protests over its work with the military, police, and U.

NASA to decide Saturday whether astronauts will ride Boeing’s Starliner home — or use SpaceX’s Dragon instead

NASA officials will announce their final decision on Saturday as to whether two NASA astronauts — Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams — will return to Earth on…