Jessica Ashooh’s Post

With immense power and influence, these companies have a responsibility to prioritize user privacy, ethical practices, and the well-being of society as a whole. Transparency and oversight are essential to ensure that data is handled responsibly, algorithms are unbiased, and monopolistic behaviors are curtailed. By promoting accountability, we can foster a digital landscape that respects user rights, encourages innovation, and safeguards against potential harm. It's time for big tech to embrace their responsibility and work towards a more ethical and equitable future.

Outstanding, easy to understand, explanation of why we need social media middleware to "…maximize user control over what information is received by individuals… who use the Internet…” -- as § 230 makes US policy: “It is the policy of the United States… to encourage the development of technologies which maximize user control over what information is received by individuals… who use the Internet…” Thanks Ethan Zuckerman, Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.  

In a surprising turn of events, Montana has officially banned TikTok from its borders, citing concerns over data security and user privacy. However, this decision has not gone uncontested. TikTok has retaliated by suing the state, sparking a heated legal battle. The ban raises important questions about the intersection of technology, governance, and individual rights. It underscores the complexities of balancing innovation and safeguarding user data in the digital age. While Montana's decision aims to protect its citizens, TikTok argues that it violates their rights to access information and express themselves freely. The outcome of this legal battle could set a significant precedent for the regulation of social media platforms in the future. As discussions around data privacy and platform responsibility intensify, it becomes increasingly important for policymakers, technology companies, and users to engage in meaningful dialogue. Finding a middle ground that promotes innovation while safeguarding privacy is paramount. Stay tuned as this legal battle unfolds. It's a reminder of the evolving relationship between technology and society, and the critical need for thoughtful conversations about the impact of digital platforms on our lives.

"Are you curious about how TechCrunch tailors your browsing experience? Dive into my latest blog post where I unravel how TechCrunch, a member of the Yahoo family, harnesses the power of cookies for more than just snackable content! From securing your login to serving up personalized ads, learn how your personal data, like IP addresses and search behavior, shapes the digital landscape. 🍪💻✨ Get informed and discover how to take control of your privacy settings! #TechCrunch #DigitalPrivacy #OnlineAdvertising #UserExperience" [Remember to include the link to your blog post when sharing on LinkedIn.]

TikTok is in trouble in the U.S. and Europe–but American social apps could be next (thanks to the EU's DSA) Olia Valigourskaia, CEO at WebKyte, on what the recent rhetoric around the TikTok ban represents in the ongoing trend of data privacy and content moderation. «In a pivotal year both for technology and democracy, we are bound to see more highly publicized theatrics in the tussle between regulators and online platforms. Hopefully, the result will be greater legislative clarity and a safer online experience for everyone.» Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/dJ8bCQU4

Starting February 17, the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) will apply to all online services and platforms. To celebrate, Reddit, Inc. has updated its User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Aimed at fostering safer online environments, the DSA enforces strict rules on transparency and accountability. DSA entered into force last August but so far only applied to Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) -- read Google, LinkedIn, Instagram etc. -- and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs). But I digress... back to Reddit. So what do you do when on a Friday night you see there's been such an update? That's right, you start playing the game called "Spot 5 Differences."😶 Left page: Reddit's User Agreement for users who live in the US or outside the European Economic Area (EEA), UK, and Switzerland Right page: Reddit's User Agreement for users who live in the EEA, UK, and Switzerland Link below

As the adoption of Content Credentials increases and availability grows quickly across news, social media, and creative outlets, durable Content Credentials will become as expected as secure connections in web browsers. Content without provenance will become the exception, provenance with privacy preservation will be a norm, and durability will ensure that everyone has the fundamental right to understand what content is and how it was made.  Good insight from Andy Parsons with the Content Authenticity Initiative. https://lnkd.in/eMQ3ghvR

Changes are brewing in the world of tech and social media! TikTok, the popular short-form video app with over 1 billion users worldwide, is taking legal action against the US government. They're challenging a new law that demands them to part ways with their China-based parent firm, ByteDance, or prepare for a ban in the United States. TikTok labels the determined push from Congress as 'unprecedented' and 'unconstitutional'. The company argues that enforced segregation due to geographic politics from its global community will not only impact millions of users but will undermine its business structure. This battle can redefine the boundaries of technology, government oversight, and digital community on a global scale. It dawns a critical question: How deep should a government’s intervention be in social media platforms when it comes to national security? Let's remember, this debate is not isolated to TikTok and the US. It affects the global tech industry at large, setting precedents for future relationships between governments, tech companies, and digital freedom. How do you see this impacting the future of global tech governance? Share your thoughts below! #TikTok #TechGovernance #DigitalFreedom #GlobalTech #Cybersecurity

Privacy is just a term if we need to work on the internet, some or other way, it can be overlooked either logically or technically..