The rise of machine intelligence at #codecon 2016 (Recode)
By any name, machine learning, artificial intelligence, deep simulation — or, as IBM’s CEO insisted, cognitive computing — were front and center for nearly every speaker. The most fascinating aspect is how the technology spans devices, strategies and business models.
Should We Let Internet Companies Define How We Express Ourselves? (Technology Review- Commentary)
Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Microsoft have agreed to a “code of conduct” in EU countries that requires the Internet giants to take down hate speech within 24 hours of posting on their platforms. It’s the latest in the thorny issue of striking a balance between freedom of expression online and curtailing abusive or violent content.
EU Data Supervisor: Privacy Shield Needs “Robust Improvements” (Privacy Security Blog)
The push for the European Union and the US to reopen negotiations over the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield may have just become a shove, due to a recent opinion released by the European Data Protection Supervisor assessing the data protections offered and recommending a series of substantial changes to the new data transfer framework.
Instagram Changes Feed Order Despite Resistance From Users (Variety)
Instagram is changing the way it is displaying photos to its users: Instead of simply showing every photo in reverse-chronological order, Instagram will soon use algorithms to figure out which photos individual users would like to see, and display those photos more prominently.
Four Highlights from Tow Center’s SecureDrop Report (Media Shift)
It has been three years since the Freedom of the Press Foundation launched the open-source whistleblower submission system SecureDrop. Many major news organizations are on board. It begs the question: Will secure encryption systems like SecureDrop become a fixture of modern journalism?
FCC PRIVACY PROCEEDING (Silicon Valley- Commentary)
The FCC is considering new rules that would restrict how broadband service providers can use the data they collect on our internet habits. The rules would give consumers a better idea of what data’s being collected by those companies and more control over how it’s being used. The rules aren’t perfect.
TECH, CIVIL LIBERTIES ADVOCATES WARY OF E-MAIL PRIVACY AMENDMENTS (Morning Consult)
The Senate Judiciary Committee is mulling a few key amendments to a popular e-mail privacy bill that is worrying the tech and civil liberties communities. Among the most problematic for these groups is a pair of amendments offered by Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn, who is attempting to mollify law enforcement agencies.
Will the Constitution Protect Your Next Smartphone? (The Atlantic)
It all comes down to a distinction that the legal system uses to determine how far Fifth Amendment protections extend. The amendment covers what’s in your head (thoughts, memories) but not what you are (fingerprints, DNA). A memorized password is unambiguously protected. But devices secured by biometrics or behavioral traits?
Wheeler Refuses Lawmaker’s Request to ‘Pause’ Set-Top Box Unlock for More Data (Inside Sources)
FCC Chair Tom Wheeler is refusing a request by dozens of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in Congress to pause the agency’s proposal to open cable provider content to third-party set-top boxes until their impact can be studied.
O’Rielly Offers Ownership Reform Principles (FCC)
The FCC commissioner sets forth his stance on reforming the commission’s media ownership rules. “Broadcasters and newspapers have much to contribute in terms of diverse, local content, but many have been left fighting, some for their very survival, with an artificially-narrowed range of options.”
CA Copyright Bill Could Chill Public Debate (Columbia Journalism Review)
A bill now being considered by California lawmakers is calling attention to the uneasy balance between copyright principles and public-records law. AB 2880 would allow state agencies to claim copyright protections in government works.
FTC Backs Consumer Opt-In Requirement For Data Collection (FCW)
Internet-connected devices, sensors and appliances are opening up benefits in health care, energy efficiency, transportation and more. But the data generated by these tools, known under the category of internet of things, presents potential security and privacy risks that the FTC believes could open up opportunities for theft or fraud.
Google’s computers are creating songs. Making music may never be the same. (Washington Post)
Google has launched a project to use artificial intelligence to create compelling art and music, offering a reminder of how technology is rapidly changing what it means to be a musician, and what makes us distinctly human. Google’s Project Magenta aims to push the state of the art in machine intelligence.