The 5 most important turning points for technology in 2015

[Commentary] Looking back, 2015 was filled with major moments in technology and media. Recapping the year this way -- looking back in order to look forward -- seems more fruitful than reviewing big news moments for their own sake.

1) Apple's support for ad-blocking: When Apple rolled out iOS 9 in 2015, it came with a notable new feature: A setting that lets users take greater advantage of mobile ad blockers.
2) Tesla's autopilot: The fact that some Tesla drivers were actually whipping down the freeway with their hands off the wheel in 2015 was an important milestone for driver automation.
3) Network neutrality: The Federal Communications Commission's net neutrality rules, which were approved in February and took effect months later, opened up a new chapter in Internet history.
4) The Paris attacks: The deadly terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015 prompted many security officials to call for greater powers to track suspects' digital activity.
5) The status of Uber drivers: You could pick any number of events in 2015 as turning points in what has become a wide-ranging fight over whether Uber drivers -- and other contract workers -- deserve the same workplace benefits as people who are employed full-time.