Do big tech companies need more government oversight? That’s the question Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai pondered in a blog post Tuesday, just as Congress prepares to grill executives from Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday. Specifically, Pai said companies like Google, Facebook and Twitter need to be more transparent about how they operate their social …
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Judge Brett Kavanaugh faces the Senate Judiciary Committee for the first day of confirmation hearings starting at 7 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET today in Washington, DC — and you can watch it live right here. Kavanaugh is President Donald Trump’s second nomination to the Supreme Court. He seeks to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who announced his retirement from the court …
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Now you can keep up with your favorite Facebook Watch shows outside the US. The social network’s online video streaming service is rolling out worldwide on Wednesday. Facebook is also offering new opportunities for creators and publishers from all over the world. Facebook launched Watch a year ago in the US, featuring programming produced exclusively for the social network. Watch …
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It’s all about being transparent now for Instagram. The Facebook-owned photo app announced three new tools Tuesday. As well as enabling two-factor authentication via third-party apps, users can now see more information about other Instagram accounts through a feature called “About the Account.” Instagram A new verification request form found under settings will also let users apply for a blue …
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Facebook may have removed hundreds of fake accounts originating from Iran that are part of an influence campaign, but new findings have shown the operation is far bigger. An “apparent” influence campaign from Iran designed to mislead and manipulate public opinion globally by spreading disinformation is “significantly bigger” than previous findings have shown, Reuters reported Tuesday. A “sprawling network” of …
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Facebook is doubling down on being an eco-friendly company. In a blog post on Tuesday, Facebook said it aims to use 100 percent renewable energy to power its global operations, including its data centers, by the end of 2020. It also vowed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent. In 2015 Facebook set a goal of supporting 50 percent …
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Tumblr’s updated community guidelines are targeting hate speech, violence and unwanted sexualization. On Monday, the social networking site posted details about the update, which goes into effect Sept. 10. Tumblr noted that the section on hate speech removes this paragraph: “If you encounter negative speech that doesn’t rise to the level of violence or threats of violence, we encourage you to dismantle …
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Two months ago, Microsoft said it didn’t have specific plans to create an Xbox VR headset. What it didn’t say is that it had been working on a device, but put existing VR plans on hold until better technology comes along. Microsoft courted partners over the past couple years to create games for a virtual reality headset designed to work …
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Break open your piggy banks, cheeps. This might be the TV deal you’ve been saving for. Ending Sunday, World Wide Stereo has the Samsung UN55LS003 4K UHD smart TV (aka “The Frame”) for $1,397 shipped with promo code FLASH. That’s at least $200 lower than you’ll find it elsewhere — and $600 less than when it debuted last year. See …
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Facebook wants more people to discover things they have in common with the other 2 billion people on its social network. The company on Friday said it’s testing out a new label, called “things in common,” that people will see in some comments. Here’s how it works: When you read through a public conversation — like on a brand or …
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