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TechNet urges Congress to oppose current form of American Privacy Rights Act
Big Tech

Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, has sent a letter to members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee urging them to oppose the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA). The bill is currently under review by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce.


ITIF raises concerns over flaws in privacy and children's online safety bills
Big Tech

Following the House Energy and Commerce Committee's markup of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) and Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has expressed concerns over significant flaws in both bills.


House draft bill aims at sunsetting section 230 amidst debate over online safety
Big Tech

U.S. House Energy & Commerce leadership recently announced draft legislation that would sunset Section 230 protections. Repealing Section 230 without an agreement on what a post-230 world should look like could threaten users' free expression rights and exacerbate the problems some in Congress aim to solve. Any conversation about reforming Section 230 must prioritize users, including those who rely on its protections to exchange information online.


Microsoft announces $1 billion digital ecosystem initiative for Kenya
Big Tech

On May 22, 2024, Microsoft Corp. and G42 announced a significant digital investment initiative in Kenya, marking the largest private-sector digital investment in the country's history. This collaboration involves an initial $1 billion investment, facilitated by G42 with support from various stakeholders, aimed at bolstering economic development across East Africa.


Information Technology Industry Council appoints Sean P. Murphy as EVP of Policy
Big Tech

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) announced today that Sean P. Murphy will join the global tech trade association in June as Executive Vice President of Policy. Murphy brings over three decades of senior tech policy experience, including global roles in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).


TechNet urges Congress not to repeal Section 230
Big Tech

Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, has sent a letter to Congress ahead of a House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing regarding the potential repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.


Colorado enacts new law regulating AI-driven decision systems
Big Tech

On Friday, Colorado enacted Senate Bill 24-205 (SB 205), a new law aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in AI-driven decision systems. This legislation requires companies to provide basic information and safeguards when using AI for high-stakes decisions affecting employment, credit, healthcare, and education. Currently, many companies make such decisions without informing the affected individuals, leading to potential errors and biases that undermine civil rights and consumer protection laws.


Jake Laperruque testifies on responsible AI use before House Homeland Security Committee
Big Tech

On Wednesday, May 22, Jake Laperruque from the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security during a hearing titled “Advancing Innovation (AI): Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Defend and Secure the Homeland.”


House committee reviews draft of American Data Privacy Rights Act
Big Tech

The House Committee on Energy & Commerce, Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce is set to review a discussion draft of the "American Data Privacy Rights Act" (APRA) on Thursday, May 23. The draft includes elements from the Child Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). APRA seeks to establish baseline federal privacy protections aimed at minimizing data collection by private businesses, while COPPA 2.0 and KOSA focus specifically on younger users.


Netflix announces cast for new crime series based on Jo Nesbø's novels
Big Tech

Today, Netflix revealed the main cast and title of Jo Nesbø’s highly anticipated crime series about the introverted detective Harry Hole. The live cast announcement took place at the iconic restaurant Schrøder in Oslo, Norway, which also serves as the "second home" of Harry Hole in the novels.


CCIA opposes Illinois' proposed Journalism Preservation Act citing constitutional concerns
Big Tech

Ahead of the Illinois General Assembly’s hearing on the proposed Journalism Preservation Act, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has submitted a coalition letter opposing SB 3591.


House committee considers future of internet shaping law: Section 230
Big Tech

The House Committee on Energy & Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications & Technology is set to hold a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the potential sunsetting of a law that has been pivotal in shaping the open internet as we know it today. Passed by Congress over two decades ago, Section 230, as it is commonly known, grants digital services the ability to moderate user content in response to online misconduct or for child protection.


New survey reveals Americans' mixed feelings on artificial intelligence
Big Tech

Americans are closely split on whether artificial intelligence (AI) will improve, worsen, or have no impact on their lives and careers, according to a new survey by Public First in partnership with the Center for Data Innovation. The survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults was conducted to track public attitudes toward AI since a similar survey last year.


CDT, Article 19 urge India to uphold freedom of expression during elections
Big Tech

As India, the world's largest democracy, witnesses nearly a billion voters heading to the polls, CDT, Article 19 and eight other civil society organizations have called on the Indian government to cease its suppression of press activity and political opposition.


Netflix confirms production of romantic comedy 'All the Love You Wish For
Big Tech

Netflix has confirmed the production of a new series, 'All the Love You Wish For' (WT), written by acclaimed writer Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Byeong-heon. The series features an all-star cast and explores the captivating tale of Jinn, a genie who awakens after a thousand years, and his new indifferent master, Ka-young. Their conflicting desires over three wishes form the backbone of this romantic comedy, setting the stage for magical mishaps and poignant moments.


Netflix announces soundtrack for 'Bridgerton' Season 3: Part 1
Big Tech

Netflix and Shondaland have announced the song list and soundtrack for the highly anticipated third season of 'Bridgerton'. The new season, which is split into two parts, will once again captivate audiences with its unique blend of orchestral pop covers and original compositions that infuse a modern twist into the Regency-era romance.


CDT and Consumer Reports support Colorado's AI bias bill
Big Tech

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) and Consumer Reports have expressed their support for the passage of Colorado’s Senate Bill 205. This legislation aims to establish fundamental safeguards for the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in critical decisions impacting consumers and workers, such as those related to housing access, lending, and employment.


Senate urged to refine Kids Online Safety Act by CDT and others
Big Tech

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), in conjunction with other leading civil society organizations, has urged the Senate to further refine the Kids Online Safety Act. These organizations, which include the ACLU, EFF, Fight for the Future, and New America’s Open Technology Institute, have expressed concerns that the current bill could lead to censorship and heightened risks to internet users' privacy.


CDT opposes Kids Off Social Media Act citing potential privacy concerns
Big Tech

On May 16, the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) joined forces with New America’s Open Tech Institute to express their opposition to the Kids Off Social Media Act (S. 4213). This legislation was introduced by Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.).


FISA 702 extended without substantial reforms: What's next
Big Tech

The prolonged debate over the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA 702) ended in April with an extension of warrantless surveillance authority, but without substantial reforms to safeguard civil liberties. The new law, known as the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, H.R. 7888, or RISAA, was touted by supporters as containing significant reforms. However, critics argue that it largely maintains a problematic status quo and even expands surveillance in concerning ways.