Geoffrey A. Fowler

San Francisco

Technology columnist based in San Francisco

Education: Harvard University, B.A. in Anthropology and Afro-American Studies; Cambridge University, Trinity College, M.Phil in Social Anthropology

Geoffrey A. Fowler is The Washington Post’s technology columnist, writing from San Francisco about how to navigate the confusing, occasionally scary and deeply personal world of tech. He joined The Post in 2017 after 16 years with the Wall Street Journal writing about consumer technology, Silicon Valley, national affairs and China. He won the 2020 Gerald Loeb Award for commentary.
Latest from Geoffrey A. Fowler

I tried the new Google. Its answers are worse.

The AI-“supercharged” version of Google sometimes makes up facts, misinterprets questions and picks low-quality sources — even after nearly 11 months of public testing.

April 1, 2024

    Don't let AI help you do your taxes

    Tech columnist Geoffrey A. Fowler tested the accuracy of the AI chatbots integrated in both TurboTax and H&R Block.

    March 4, 2024

    TurboTax and H&R Block now use AI for tax advice. It’s awful.

    In our tech columnist’s tests, new chatbots in popular tax services were unhelpful or wrong as much as half of the time.

    March 4, 2024

    Privacy Reset: A guide to the important settings you should change now

    From Facebook to Venmo, stay on top of your privacy with these key settings.

    January 31, 2024

    Apple’s new Vision Pro is a privacy mess waiting to happen

    The Vision Pro, arriving Friday, brings us a whole new dimension of privacy risks. Apple appears to have only partial solutions.

    January 30, 2024

    Expert strategies that (really) help kids reduce screen time

    Four strategies to reset your family’s relationship with screen time from the surgeon general, parents and researchers who know what kids actually do online.

    January 26, 2024

    Testing Tesla’s Autopilot recall, I don’t feel much safer — and neither should you

    On the streets of San Francisco, Tesla’s updated driver-assistance software still took the wheel in places it wasn’t designed to handle, including blowing through stop signs.

    December 31, 2023

    Microsoft says its AI is safe. So why does it keep slashing people’s throats?

    The AI Image Creator makes extremely violent images of Joe Biden, the pope and others. Microsoft’s failed response points the finger at rogue users.

    December 28, 2023

    On the tech days of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Better WiFi

    When you’re at home with loved ones, this simple trick will make the WiFi signal stronger.

    December 20, 2023
    Help Desk reporters can help you amp up your family's tech setup during the holidays, starting with an easy way to boost a spotty WiFi signal.

      How to boost your family's WiFi signal

      It's “The Tech Days of Christmas,” so help your family: Boost their bad WiFi.

      December 19, 2023