July 2018

Federal investigators broaden focus on Facebook’s role in sharing data with Cambridge Analytica, examining statements of tech giant

Apparently, a federal investigation into Facebook’s sharing of data with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica has broadened to focus on the actions and statements of the tech giant and involves three agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission. Representatives for the FBI, the SEC and the Federal Trade Commission have joined the Justice Department in its inquiries about the two companies and the sharing of personal information of 71 million Americans, suggesting the wide-ranging nature of the investigation, apparently.

Sanders: Trump 'didn't lie' when he tweeted he never supported immigration bill he urged Republicans to pass (Hill, The)

Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 16:39

Facebook's new political rules block ads for businesses with Bush, Clinton in name (Hill, The)

Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 16:35

The mysterious disappearance of the phrase ‘climate change’ from a CDC website (Washington Post)

Submitted by benton on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 15:40

18F Looks Within For Next Executive Director (nextgov)

Submitted by benton on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 15:39

President Trump has embraced the big-money donor world he once shunned

Even as President Donald Trump holds court in large arenas filled with thousands of cheering supporters, he also has been giving rich financiers and business executives up-close access, helping cultivate the kind of big-money outfit he once derided.

Tech’s ‘Dirty Secret’: The App Developers Sifting Through Your Gmail

Google said in 2017 it would stop its computers from scanning the inboxes of Gmail users for information to personalize advertisements, saying it wanted users to “remain confident that Google will keep privacy and security paramount.” But the internet giant continues to let hundreds of outside software developers scan the inboxes of millions of Gmail users who signed up for email-based services offering shopping price comparisons, automated travel-itinerary planners or other tools.

Victory: New Jersey Dedicates Millions to Strengthen Local News Coverage (Free Press)

Submitted by Robbie McBeath on Mon, 07/02/2018 - 14:44

New Jersey lawmakers vote to help dwindling local news coverage

Gov Phil Murphy (D-NJ) is approving a landmark bill that would create a new fund to bolster local news coverage, to help fill the void created by the steady economic decline of the media industry. Five universities would lead the Civic Information Consortium and with a board of directors decide which local news start-ups it would fund through a grant. Supporters say would be the first endeavor of its kind in the nation.

Mapping Brookyln's Diverse Pirate-Radio Scene

The Federal Communications Commission has identified New York as a problem area, and Brooklyn, with its diverse immigrant communities, is the epicenter of the city’s pirate scene. In 2017, when President Donald Trump appointed Ajit Pai Chairman of the FCC, Pai promised to “take aggressive action” to stamp out pirates. In early May, the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement, or pirate, Act was introduced in Congress; it would increase fines from a maximum of a hundred and forty-four thousand dollars to two million dollars.

Benton

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