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CTA unveils educational resources on ultra HD TV technologies
Big Tech

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® has announced new resources aimed at educating retailers, integrators, and sales associates about the features and benefits of 4K and 8K Ultra HD televisions. The initiative is designed to enhance sales and knowledge of the latest Ultra HD technology.


Consumer groups urge FCC for broader data disclosure on device labels
Big Tech

The consumer filing has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to mandate the release of a broad spectrum of information as part of labeling requirements. The filing enumerates various types of sensors on devices, such as cameras, microphones, thermometers, and presence sensors. It also highlights the data and inferences these sensors collect, particularly if they can detect location or sensitive personal information.


Apple partners with 4-H to integrate technology into youth programs
Big Tech

4-H, a longstanding youth development organization in the United States, is expanding its educational programs to include technology-focused learning, with support from Apple.


ACT president supports new House bills on AI education and small business advancement
Big Tech

ACT | The App Association released a statement from President Morgan Reed following the introduction of the National Science Foundation (NSF) AI Education Act and the Small Business AI Advancement Act in the House of Representatives.


New course helps combat misinformation ahead of 2024 elections
Big Tech

Election officials face an increasingly demanding set of responsibilities, from protecting their systems from cybersecurity threats to managing and responding to emergencies. At the same time, election officials increasingly report facing threats and harassment, often motivated by mis- and disinformation, which may be contributing to increasing turnover rates. These challenges are compounded by limited budgets for training staff on new and emerging threats.


ITI outlines recommendations for advancing U.S. leadership in upcoming 6G technology
Big Tech

Global tech trade association ITI has issued recommendations for the U.S. government as preparations begin for the next generation of mobile communications. Responding to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) request for comments on the advancement of Sixth Generation (6G) telecommunications technology, ITI emphasized what is needed for U.S. industry to advance 6G deployment and utilize innovations in AI, sustainable networks, and cybersecurity, with 6G anticipated to be released in 2030.


Privacy advocates protest use of facial recognition at stadiums
Big Tech

Protesters at Citi Field represented 11 organizations that signed an open letter opposing the use of facial recognition systems at stadiums. The groups included Fight for the Future, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, and Amnesty International. The letter contends that “not only does facial recognition pose unprecedented threats to people’s privacy and safety, it’s also completely unnecessary.”


Netflix closes successful upfront; expands advertiser capabilities globally
Big Tech

Netflix has announced the successful conclusion of its second year of Upfront negotiations, securing deals with all major holding companies and independent agencies. The company reported a 150% increase in upfront ad sales commitments compared to 2023, aligning with their expectations. These commitments span key categories such as CPG, Tech & Entertainment, Auto, QSR, and Retail.


Netflix unveils 'Squid Game' and 'Monument Valley' sequels at gamescom
Big Tech

From gamescom’s Opening Night Live in Cologne, Germany, fans received their first look at "Squid Game: Unleashed" and "Monument Valley 3," both set to debut exclusively on Netflix later this year. Additionally, "Monument Valley" and "Monument Valley 2" will soon be available on the platform, making Netflix the exclusive home for the entire Monument Valley collection. These games, like all Netflix Games, are included with memberships without ads or in-app purchases.


Top Netflix releases for Aug week include 'The Union' and 'Emily in Paris
Big Tech

When Halle Berry hosts a watch party, fans respond enthusiastically. Her new action comedy, "The Union," in which she and Mark Wahlberg star as high school sweethearts reuniting to tackle an international crime syndicate, debuted at #1 on the English Films List with 33.1 million views, making it the most-watched title of the week. The film was #1 in 63 countries and reached the Top 10 in 93.


Court revives privacy lawsuit against Google over Chrome tracking
Big Tech

Calhoun and others appealed to the 9th Circuit, drawing attention from external parties such as the Electronic Privacy Information Center.


New report highlights China's uneven progress towards semiconductor self-sufficiency
Big Tech

China still lags two to five years behind the United States and its allies in most facets of semiconductor design and fabrication, despite the Chinese government’s massive strategic investments in the industry. However, its firms’ intellectual property (IP) and innovation capabilities are accelerating rapidly, according to a new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a leading think tank for science and technology policy.


Auchincloss calls for tech accountability in battle against ‘deepfake porn
Big Tech

The Intimacy Privacy Protection Act creates a duty for social media platforms to remove such content and then save all related data for potential criminal charges or civil litigation by the victim, Auchincloss explained.


How "I-star" organizations shape free speech and human rights
Big Tech

Earlier in July 2024, CDT Chief Technology Officer Mallory delivered a comprehensive overview of the state of human rights considerations in internet governance and standards at the HOPE XV (Hackers On Planet Earth) conference in Queens, New York. Her talk focused on recent and ongoing developments at the “I-star” organizations (the top-level governance bodies such as ICANN, IETF, IEEE, W3C, and ITU) and how they could affect the daily lives of billions of internet users around the world.


PolyAI partners with AWS to enhance enterprise adoption of next-gen voice AI
Big Tech

PolyAI Announces Strategic Collaboration with AWS to Drive Enterprise Adoption of Next-Gen Voice AI in Customer Service


Senate proposes making certain government surveillance measures secret under new legislation
Big Tech

Congress recently expanded the types of entities that can be compelled to assist with surveillance under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA 702) to significantly increase potential surveillance. Key legislators had promised to revisit the types of entities subject to FISA 702 directives. The Senate has now proposed to do so but in a way that would make secret the scope of entities subject to FISA 702.


Full cast announced for Jo Nesbø’s 'Harry Hole' series
Big Tech

The full cast for Jo Nesbø’s "Harry Hole" series has been announced, joining previously revealed leads Tobias Santelmann, Joel Kinnaman, and Pia Tjelta. The series, directed by Anna Zackrisson, will feature a star-studded ensemble.


Individuals using false personal details online for protection
Big Tech

John Davisson, senior counsel and director of litigation at the nonprofit Electronic Privacy Information Center, discussed a common practice among individuals regarding personal information online. "It’s a common technique for individuals to use false or pseudonymous contact information and birthdays and other personal details," Davisson stated. He explained that this approach can offer protection in the event of a data breach or if companies intend to use the information for targeted advertising or sell it to data brokers. By providing inaccurate details, users ensure that...


Impact of parental rights legislation on edtech use raises concerns over student privacy
Big Tech

CDT research indicates that parents desire more involvement in decision-making about how schools use data and technology (EdTech) to educate their children. However, schools often fail to provide opportunities for meaningful parental input. Concurrently, parents are demanding greater visibility and rights concerning school administrators' interactions with educational services beyond just EdTech. This demand has led to the introduction and sometimes passage of federal and state parental rights bills.


CDT advocates for clearer definitions in contextual advertising
Big Tech

Over the past quarter-century, behaviorally targeted advertising has become a dominant business model for online publishers, social media platforms, mobile apps, and other web-based content, products, and services. A vast industry dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and monetizing data about virtually every aspect of people’s lives forms the backbone of this ecosystem. The global digital advertising market is projected to reach US$740.3 billion in 2024.