Christian Science Monitor | Innovation

US Justice Department opens antitrust investigations on Big Tech

The U.S. Justice Department is questioning tech companies over privacy and competitive practices. But existing antitrust laws don't obviously apply to companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google, which offer inexpensive goods or free online services.

In rise of brain implants, blurring lines between man, machine?

Elon Musk and his company Neuralink see the prospect of humans “merging” with artificial intelligence, as brain-implant technology improves.

Doorbell cams raise privacy fears, concerns about profiling

Doorbell cameras are increasingly popular among homeowners, creating what police call a "digital neighborhood watch." But some say the security increase also brings privacy risks and stokes fears and suspicion.

Florida cyberattacks highlight need for better security

Three Florida cities have faced cyberattacks this month, two of which paid ransoms to recover their systems. While the FBI discourages paying off hackers, for many cities it's the easiest option.

How technology has improved rescue searches in the wilderness

As GPS technology improves, rescue teams are using digital maps and phone applications to fine tune their searches. Volunteers, who attribute the success of recent rescues to these tools, are working to share their techniques more broadly.

Face off? Americans fear privacy loss to recognition software

Police departments and tech companies are using facial recognition software, and that has profound implications for privacy and anonymity.

Move over, Bitcoin. Facebook has its own plans for digital currency.

Despite an ongoing investigation into its privacy policies and the first major antitrust probe into Big Tech, Facebook has announced its plans to establish its own digital currency.

House launches investigation into Big Tech

The House Judiciary Committee will start its investigation into Silicon Valley and Big Tech this week. The investigation, which has bipartisan support, is the first major look into an industry that has been only lightly regulated for nearly a decade.

How to get teens to text less? Have other teens teach them how.

A "media scout" program in Germany partners older and younger students in a mentorship effort aimed at teaching safe, sane technology use. Its success so far has many calling for it to be replicated elsewhere.

San Francisco may become first U.S. city to ban facial recognition

If San Francisco adopts a ban, other cities, states, or even Congress could follow, with lawmakers looking to curtail government surveillance. But local critics say the technology is useful for police investigations in high-crime areas.

Walmart tests in-store AI with cameras and sensors

The retailer is experimenting with digitization in one of its New York stores to manage it more efficiently, improve the shopping experience, and compete with Amazon.

Musk plans to roll out fully self-driving Tesla next year

Tesla CEO Elon Musk appears confident he can beat more than 60 other U.S. companies to put fully self-driving cars on the road. But critics say Mr. Musk is shirking public safety to boost company stocks and car sales.

After Easter bombings, Sri Lanka blocks social media

Sri Lanka has blocked Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram after Sunday's attacks left hundreds dead. The government fears the spread of inflammatory "false news reports" online could spur more violence.

Why Wendell Berry is still not going to buy a computer

In 1988, Wendell Berry shocked the world by declaring that he was not going to buy a computer. Three decades later, he hasn’t looked back.

India's Election Commission wrestles with fake information

Fake political news is proliferating on social media ahead of India's election. Several platforms agreed to adhere to a voluntary code of ethics to curb the menace. Facebook says it has already removed 687 pages or accounts linked to one party.

Facebook ban on hate speech to include 'white nationalists' and 'white separatists'

Facebook has concluded after months of discussions that white nationalism and separatism cannot be meaningfully separated from white supremacy and organized hate groups. How the company will define white nationalist content and enforce the policy remain unclear.

Artificial intelligence pioneers awarded tech's 'Nobel Prize'

A trio of computer scientists won the Turing Award, one of the tech industry's highest honors. They were lauded for their breakthroughs in AI, a field of study that teaches machines how to learn like humans. AI was once dismissed as "nonsense."

Rugged Iditarod race gains high-tech support

This year the off-the-grid sled dog race takes on a virtual dimension. Thanks to tech additions like GPS, mushers in the mountains connect to support teams that ensure no dog is left behind. And, for a fee, fans can cheer on their favorites in real time online.

Zuckerberg promises privacy-friendly Facebook, critics still wary

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the company will introduce new encrypted security for its messaging service. Facebook's announcement follows revelations about its leaky privacy controls.

Elon Musk firm pitched to build tunnel transit system in Las Vegas

The divisive billionaire has dreamed up underground transit projects for other cities, but local pushback has stalled those plans. If the Las Vegas project gets green-lit, and the city's tourism agency remains optimistic, Elon Musk’s vision could materialize by 2021.