Category: congress

51 companies tell Congress it’s time to tackle data privacy

[ad_1] Accordingly, the companies have published a framework for what they’d like to see. They want “robust” protections for data that foster accountability, a “technology neutral” approach that spurs innovation, worldwide interoperability and, of course, a harmonized rule set. The company list includes some notable omissions, although that doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of interest. […]

Google could soon face another antitrust investigation

[ad_1] Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns that just a handful of companies control the internet and technology at large. Earlier this summer, a House antitrust subcommittee grilled executives from Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. In May, we learned that the Justice Department was considering an antitrust investigation into Google, and as far back […]

Senators demand answers from Amazon about unsafe products

[ad_1] Authored by Senate commerce committee members Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the letter also called for the ecommerce giant to immediately remove the illicit items. “Unquestionably, Amazon is falling short of its commitment to keeping safe those consumers who use its massive platform. We call on you to immediately […]

FCC proposes ‘988’ for quick access to national suicide prevention line

[ad_1] Those services are already provided by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, but users must dial a 10-digit number, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). In 2018, Lifeline counselors answered over 2.2 million calls and 100,000 online chats. But the FCC’s report, which was mandated by the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018, found that a 3-digit number […]

Twitter unfreezes Mitch McConnell’s campaign account after review

[ad_1] Earlier this week, McConnell and several others posted a video of a group of protesters who gathered outside the lawmaker’s Kentucky home in order to demand action on recent mass shootings. The profanity-laden footage featured individuals hurling threats at McConnell. Twitter found that the video violated its abusive behavior policy — which bans threats […]

Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress on competition

[ad_1] Both Democrats and Republicans have been concerned that just a handful of companies not only have control of the internet (and technology at large), but might be abusing their power to squeeze out competition. The investigation won’t necessarily lead to action, but it may help politicians determine if any problems can either be addressed […]

Bipartisan House bill aims to curb illegal robocalls

[ad_1] The measure would require that carriers authenticate calls and offer opt-out blocking at no extra charge, with transparency to make sure you don’t miss an important conversation. The FCC, meanwhile, would be granted extended statutes of limitations on robocall offenses. In return, the regulator would have to issue rules protecting against unwanted calls (including […]

House chairwoman wants Facebook to pause work on its cryptocurrency

[ad_1] The congresswoman also said that Facebook executives should testify about Libra as part of that oversight. We’ve asked Facebook for comment. As part of the announcement, though, it launched a Libra Association whose aim is to oversee the currency outside of Facebook’s control. Calibra, the digital wallet for the new monetary format, is supposed […]

Juul faces House investigation over teen e-cigarette use

[ad_1] The request also covers less explicitly youth-oriented figures, such as Juul-related data on clinical trials to quit smoking. Moreover, the committee wants to know about the reasoning behind the pens’ nicotine levels, Juul’s early market research and the agreements employees signed after Altria bought the company. Juul has until June 21st to honor the […]