Social networks are turning to AI and automated tools to police social networking posts, as staff are sent home due to Covid-19 pandemic
News Social laws
Facial Recognition Firm Clearview AI Hacked
Privacy compromise. American company that has a database of more than three billion photographs of people has been hacked
US Questions Tech Firm Liability Exemption For User Posts
Does Facebook and Google still need immunity from legal liability for user post? US Attorney General doesn't seem to think so
European Commission Unveils Strategy For Digital Future
Europe launches ambitious digital strategy as it seeks to create single European market for data in an effort to combat Silicon Valley and Chinese rivals
Government To Put Ofcom In Charge Of Regulating Internet Content
More powers on the way for British communications watchdog Ofcom, after Government decides Internet firms cannot regulate themselves
Facebook Settles Facial Recognition Lawsuit
Social networking giant pays out nearly half a billion dollars to settle long running biometric data lawsuit in the United States
Facebook Oversight Board Appoints Human Rights Expert
Can independent oversight board restore faith in Facebook's and Mark Zuckerberg's handling of questionable content?
CES 2020: Twitter To Test Reply-Limiting Tech
Platform to test four settings to allow users to control who can reply to a user's tweets, in effort to halt Twitter's toxic culture
Facebook To Remove Deepfake Videos, If It Meets Certain Criteria
U-turn at Facebook? Social network confirms it will remove some videos modified by artificial intelligence, known as deepfakes
Facebook Wins Data Transfer Opinion Against Max Schrems
ECJ advisor says that personal data transfers from tech companies in the EU into the United States are “valid”, in a victory for Facebook
YouTube Tightens Harassment Rules With Policy Update
Harassment clampdown. Videos that “maliciously insult someone” or threaten violence will be banned
Elon Musk Concludes Court Appearance
Tesla boss insists his “pedo guy” comments were meant as an off-the-cuff insult, and not to be taken seriously, Unsworth disagrees
Instagram Implements Date Of Birth Requirement For New Users
New users of Instagram will be required to submit their date of birth in an effort to safeguard youngsters and deliver more age-appropriate experiences
Elon Musk Says Sorry To British Diver For ‘Pedo Guy’ Tweet
Tesla boss in court apologises directly to Vernon Unsworth, but also admits to hiring private detective to investigate British diver
Elon Musk Heads To Court Over ‘Pedo’ Tweet
Tesla boss Elon Musk to face the British diving specialist he accused of being a paedophile, in Los Angeles courtroom today
Facebook Lawsuit After Hack Must Not Include Damages – US Judge
Facebook should not face financial damage claims after the hack of 29 million accounts, but can pressure for better security
Twitter Readies Cull Of Inactive Accounts
Inactive Twitter users have to log in to their account and agree to updated privacy policies before 11 December to avoid the chop
Twitter Warns Tories Over Twitter Name Change
Twitter to take no further action, after it said Tories misled the public when press office changed name during TV debate
Lawmakers Call For Pause On Targeted Political Adverts
Pause online political adverts that are targeted and contain false information, international lawmakers have urged tech firms
Facebook Shrugs Off Scandals With Strong Financials
What crisis? Profit and revenue surge over 20 percent at Zuckerberg's house, despite a torrid year
Twitter Bans All Political Advertising Worldwide
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey says that from next month, his platform will ban all political advertising
Facebook Agrees To Pay ICO Cambridge Analytica Fine
“That will be £500,000” please Mr Zuckerberg”, as ICO reveals Facebook has agreed to pay Cambridge Analytica fine
Google, Facebook Urged To Do More To Tackle Fake News
European Commission says tech giants must to more to tackle fake news, after submission of self-assessment reports
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg Faces Intense Scrutiny From Congress
Zuckerberg goes to Congress to answer questions about Libra, but is tackled about privacy, free speech and political ads
Twitter Clarifies Rules After Call For Trump Ban
Platform says not in the public interest to remove politicians' tweets, after Democrat pressure to ban politicians' tweets
Thousands On Twitch See Gunman’s Shooting Spree In Germany
Thousands watch gunman's video of attack outside German synagogue, before Twitch pulls the video
Zuckerberg Hits Back Against Encryption Backdoor Request
The United States, UK, and Australia sign open letter to Facebook saying encryption helps child abuse, as they demand an encryption 'backdoor'
Europe’s Top Court Rules Facebook Has To Remove ‘Illegal’ Comments Worldwide
Far reaching ruling by ECJ could have big implications for other tech firms, and there is no appeal open to Facebook
Zuckerberg: Facebook Would Defeat Senator Warren’s Breakup Attempt
Leaked audio of Mark Zuckerberg admitting the prospect of an Elizabeth Warren presidency could "suck" for the firm
Facebook ‘Oversight’ Board To Make Content Rulings
Board will make final decisions over objectionable content, but will not be able to change company policy