Issues

Digital Platforms and Antitrust

Digital platforms create value for users and make markets more efficient. But some platforms gain excessive market power. Antitrust agencies and regulators must adopt new methods to preserve the benefits of platforms but reduce harm.

Cross-Country Trends in Affective Polarization

Political polarization in several countries, including the United States, is increasing. Key factors include increasing polarization among elite political party members and the spread of cable news services.

Cross-Platform Disinformation Campaigns: Lessons Learned and Next Steps

Disinformation campaigns use misleading information to discredit a political adversary. Opponents of a humanitarian group operating in Syria use Twitter and YouTube to discredit the group.

The Welfare Effects of Social Media

Observers are increasingly aware of the negative effects of social media, including political polarization. This study shows that deactivation of social media reduces political polarization and increases happiness.

The Connected Parent: An Expert Guide to Parenting in a Digital World

Parents should engage positively with children in addressing issues with digital media, and keep an open mind about positive aspects of digital culture.

On the Application of Blockchains to Spectrum Management

Blockchain technologies could help operators and users of the electromagnetic spectrum coordinate their activities. Challenges include device power limitations and blockchain system capacity constraints.

Disinformation as Collaborative Work: Surfacing the Participatory Nature of Strategic Information Operations

Disinformation campaigns may be studied as a form of collaborative crowd-work. Case studies show that disinformation and conspiracy theories are often spread by sincere actors.

Transfer of EU Personal Data to U.S. Law Enforcement Authorities After the CLOUD Act: Is There a Conflict with the GDPR?

United States’ law requires firms to turn electronic evidence over to law enforcement even when the data is stored in another country. The law may conflict with European privacy law, which limits data transfers to foreign governments.

Speech Across Borders

Several courts have ordered online service providers to take down content worldwide. Other rules restrict speech depending on the nationality and location of the speaker. Tech firms also curate content on a global scale.

The Economics of Markets and Platforms

Some economic models omit intermediaries, entrepreneurs, and other key factors in dynamic markets. The study of platforms like eBay and Etsy leads to the development of more realistic economic models.