Issues

Lawmakers, Taking Aim at Big Tech, Push Sweeping Overhaul of Antitrust

“This is a reaction to the fact that our antitrust laws have been construed so narrowly by the Supreme Court. Because of this problem, it is very appropriate for Congress to be stepping in to prohibit and determine what’s bad and what’s good for markets.” — Eleanor M. Fox, Professor of Law, New York University
Eleanor Fox
Source: The New York Times
June 11, 2021

Don’t Let Employees Pick Their WFH Days

One concern is managing a hybrid team, where some people are at home and others are at the office. I hear endless anxiety about this generating an office in-group and a home out-group. — Nicholas Bloom, Professor of Economics, Stanford University

Nicholas Bloom
Source: Harvard Business Review
May 25, 2021

Should Alexa Read Our Moods?

“Using the human body for discriminating among people is something that we should not do.” — Joseph Turow, Professor of Media Systems & Industries, University of Pennsylvania

Joseph Turow
Source: The New York Times
May 19, 2021

How Websites Use "Dark Patterns" to Manipulate You

“This is a classic obstruction dark pattern — we're making it a little bit more painful, we're sucking up a little bit of their free time if they want to say no.” — Lior Strahilevitz , Professor of Law, University of Chicago

Lior Strahilevitz
Source: CBS News
May 14, 2021

Can the FTC Stop the Tech Industry’s Use of ‘Dark Patterns’?

“There’s no backlash for companies that employ these techniques, if our results are externally valid. They can employ just a couple of dark patterns and get away with it.” — Lior Strahilevitz, Professor of Law, University of Chicago
Lior Strahilevitz
Source: Fast Company
May 6, 2021

Snapchat Can Be Sued Over Role In Fatal Car Crash, Court Rules

“I don't think that this opinion actually will open up the Pandora's Box of saying, 'You can sue a website for how it's designed under all circumstances” — Eric Goldman, Professor of Law, Santa Clara University

Eric Goldman
Source: NPR: Technology
May 4, 2021

Shhhh, They’re Listening – Inside the Coming Voice-Profiling Revolution

“Consider, too, the discrimination that can take place if voice profilers follow some scientists’ claims that it is possible to use an individual’s vocalizations to tell the person’s height, weight, race, gender, and health.” — Joseph Turow, Professor of Media Systems, Annenberg School for Communication

Joseph Turow
Source: Fast Company
May 3, 2021

Stopping the Manipulation Machines

“Everyone is frustrated with dark patterns. Companies are taking a calculated risk that they won’t get caught doing deceptive things because there is no consistent enforcement mechanism for this.” — Lior Strahilevitz, Professor of Law, University of Chicago
Lior Strahilevitz
Source: The New York Times
April 30, 2021

HBO Max Viewing Will Start Counting Against AT&T Data Limits

“People should be free to choose which videos they want to watch -- whether that’s Netflix, Twitch or their local church’s Sunday service -- without the company they pay to get online trying to influence their choices.”  — Barbara van Schewick, Professor of Law, Stanford University
Barbara van Schewick
Source: Bloomberg
March 17, 2021

Facebook Ends Ban on Political Advertising

“When you ban all campaign ads on the most accessible and affordable platform out there, you tilt the balance toward the candidates who can afford radio and television.” — Siva Vaidhyanathan, Professor of Media Studies, University of Virginia

Siva Vaidhyanathan
Source: The New York Times
March 6, 2021