Aug 28 Trump accuses Google of ‘rigged’ search results By Darlene Superville, Associated Press President Donald Trump promised Tuesday to address what he says is the “very serious situation” of social media companies “suppressing” conservative voices and “hiding information” and good news. Continue reading
Aug 08 Watch 8:44 Why kicking Alex Jones off social media is not legally censorship iTunes, Facebook, Spotify and YouTube have all removed conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ audio and video content from their platforms, saying he violated their hate-speech policies. P.J. Tobia takes a closer look at his media operation, and William Brangham examines the… Continue watching
Aug 03 How online video sensation Shonduras reinvents himself regularly to stay successful By Michael Boulter, Paul Solman After making a career out of stunts like refrigerator-skiing -- drawing millions of eyeballs from the coveted under-35 demographic -- Shaun McBride has learned how to adapt to new platforms and invest in evolving business models. Continue reading
Jul 31 Watch 4:51 Facebook grapples with evolving threat in the countdown to midterm elections Facebook said on Tuesday that it has removed 32 fake, coordinated accounts that appeared to be designed to try and influence voters with misinformation and divisive messages on cultural issues -- and they could be connected to Russia. John Yang… Continue watching
Jul 28 UK lawmakers recommend tougher rules on Facebook By Danica Kirka, Associated Press The U.K. government should increase oversight of social media like Facebook and election campaigns to protect democracy in the digital age, a parliamentary committee recommended in a scathing report. Continue reading
May 29 Watch 4:22 Roseanne Barr isn’t new to incendiary tweets. Here’s why ABC decided to act ABC canceled rebooted sitcom "Roseanne" on Tuesday over an offensive outburst by its creator and star. Roseanne Barr wrote a racist tweet about Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor to President Obama. William Brangham talks with Eric Deggans of NPR… Continue watching
May 21 Watch 8:39 How Europe’s new online privacy rules could benefit Americans By Malcolm Brabant Long before the Cambridge Analytica scandal, new rules were being established by the European Union to give consumers greater control over their data. Starting in May, every company, big or small, that keeps your information online or elsewhere must comply. Continue watching
May 17 Watch 7:44 Why we should be more like cats than dogs when it comes to social media By Paul Solman Computer scientist and virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier doesn't mince words when it comes to social media. In his latest book, "Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now," says the economic model is based on "sneaky manipulation."… Continue watching
May 17 Jaron Lanier’s argument for getting off Facebook By Paul Solman In his new book "Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now," author Jaron Lanier makes his case for the problems with social media. Continue reading
May 09 Watch 9:17 Why we love to like junk news that reaffirms our beliefs By Miles O'Brien Facebook is exquisitely designed to feed our addiction to hyper-partisan content. In this world, fringe players who are apt to be more strident end up at the top of our news feeds, burying the middle ground. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien… Continue watching