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CTA CEO urges calm after violence at President Trump's rally
Big Tech

The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, following reports of violence at a rally for President Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania:


App Association president backs EPIC Act supporting innovation
Big Tech

ACT | The App Association today released a statement from President Morgan Reed following the introduction of the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act by Senators Chris Coons, Todd Young, John Hickenlooper, and Deb Fischer on July 9, 2024.


FCC investigates AT&T customer call records breach amid rising privacy concerns
Big Tech

Public interest groups have raised concerns that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could be taking further steps to address data privacy issues.


AT&T customer records breach exposes call details
Big Tech

Chris Frascella, counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, highlighted that cell site ID numbers can be used to deduce approximate locations, potentially revealing sensitive information. For instance, if an individual made a call near a protest, this could be inferred from the data. It remains unclear whether individuals who are not AT&T customers but received calls from those within the breached data set would be affected by approximate location metadata.


European Commission settles Apple Pay case ensuring compliance with Digital Markets Act
Big Tech

The European Commission has announced the closure of its investigation into Apple Pay after reaching a settlement with Apple. The Commission confirmed that the measures implemented by Apple as part of this settlement should be regarded both as compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and as a remedy in the antitrust case.


Tech industry releases comprehensive guide for governing high-risk artificial intelligence
Big Tech

WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI released a first-of-its-kind set of consensus tech sector practices that companies are using to develop and deploy AI technology safely and securely, aiming to build trust with consumers.


Warning issued about high volume of scam calls targeting Americans
Big Tech

On July 11, 2024, a warning was issued regarding the prevalence of scam calls. While it is possible that an unknown number on your phone could be legitimate, there is also a significant chance that it may be a scammer. Phone scammers have successfully defrauded people out of substantial amounts of money.


Aki Isoyama signs exclusive five-year partnership with Netflix
Big Tech

Starting this month, Netflix will exclusively produce and distribute new series and films by prominent Japanese hitmaker Aki Isoyama for the next five years.


TechNet urges Senate committee for unified federal data privacy law
Big Tech

Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, has sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation ahead of its hearing on privacy and artificial intelligence. The following statement is attributed to President and CEO Linda Moore:


The Platform 2' set for October release on Netflix
Big Tech

Netflix has announced the release date for the second part of "The Platform" universe, one of its most popular Spanish films. The sequel, starring Milena Smit and Hovik Keuchkerian, will be available on the streaming service starting October 4th.


CDT's Miranda Bogen addresses PCLOB forum on AI's role in counterterrorism
Big Tech

Today, CDT’s Director of AI Governance Lab, Miranda Bogen, is speaking before the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) Public Forum on the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Counterterrorism and Related National Security Programs.


Global tech trade association outlines future steps for EU AI policy
Big Tech

BRUSSELS – The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), a global tech trade association, has outlined its Vision for the Future of EU AI Policy and the implementation of the EU AI Act. The organization emphasized that supporting AI development and adoption must be a fundamental public policy goal for the EU in the coming mandate.


California's new tech legislation garners support from civil society groups
Big Tech

Jain stated that, at face value, the California Age Appropriate Design Code Act (CAADCA) requires tech companies to collect no data for the purposes of age estimation—referred to as "age assurance"—beyond what they already do. This is in contrast to traditional age verification methods, which might require users to upload identification to verify their age before entering a site.


Top films and shows for July first week announced
Big Tech

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, starring Eddie Murphy, debuted at #1 on the English Films List with 41 million views, making it the most-watched title of the week. The film features music from Lil Nas X and Big Sean, a throwback '80s trailer, and new elements such as Crazy Frog and updated attire for Lady Liberty.


Chevron’s downfall underscores urgency for clear AI regulations
Big Tech

The recent overturning of Chevron has raised significant concerns about the future regulatory landscape for emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). John Davisson, director of litigation and senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, described the decision as “a calculated blow to the power of federal agencies to protect the public from harms posed by emerging technologies, including AI.”


Three new games coming to Apple Arcade in August
Big Tech

Three new games are set to debut on Apple Arcade in August, including Temple Run: Legends, Vampire Survivors+, and the Apple Vision Pro spatial title Castle Crumble.


Op-ed discusses limitations of red teaming in addressing real-world AI issues
Big Tech

This op-ed, authored by CDT’s Gabriel Nicholas, first appeared in Foreign Policy on July 8, 2024. A portion of the text has been pasted below.


Netflix announces documentary honoring filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli
Big Tech

S.S. Rajamouli has redefined Indian cinema with his grand storytelling and groundbreaking visual effects, mastering multiple crafts along the way. From creating Baahubali, one of India’s most expensive films, to setting new records and bringing home an Oscar® with RRR, his achievements are limitless. Netflix, Applause Entertainment, and Film Companion Studios partner for an upcoming biographical documentary feature titled Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, which premieres on August 2. Through an immersive journey and interview with Rajamouli, behind-the-scenes footage, and...


CDT appoints Asha Allen as Secretary General amid ongoing tech policy debates
Big Tech

The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe (CDT Europe) has released its July 2024 Tech Policy Brief, addressing significant technology and internet policy issues in Europe, the U.S., and globally. This edition highlights CDT's perspectives on digital rights impacts and provides updates on various initiatives.


CCIA urges US response to Canada’s enactment of digital services tax
Big Tech

The Canadian government has enacted a digital services tax (DST) through an Order in Council, following the passage of Bill C-59 by Canada's Parliament. This procedural move formally activates the DST, which had been law but not yet implemented. Companies are awaiting further details on retroactivity and compliance requirements.