Digital Government

The brighter side of Facebook

Steve Kelman doesn't dispute Facebook's problems with disinformation and extremism, but he notes that the social media platform can also produce real dialogue and respect -- if one is willing to put in the effort.

Digital Government

Senator Questions TikTok, FBI and DHS Over Spread of Extremist Content

The requests are part of ongoing investigations into the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Cybersecurity

Military Intel Officials Highlight Efforts to Counter Online Disinformation

Adversaries take advantage of moments in real time, such as when efforts are focused on withdrawing from Afghanistan.

Digital Government

Bill would require big social platforms to support data mobility

Under the bill, the Federal Trade Commission would assess data interoperability for platforms with more than 100 million monthly users.

Modernization

On TikTok, Misogyny and White Supremacy Slip through 'Enforcement Gap'

A new report shows how extremists use profiles, hashtags and other effects that violate the platform’s community guidelines.

Cybersecurity

Background Check Agency Wants a Social Media Search Tool

The Defense Department office charged with investigating potential insider threats wants to use social media to add context to allegations.

Ideas

Likes and Shares Train You to Get Angry Online

The researchers found that the incentives of social media platforms like Twitter really do change how people post.

Ideas

What Is Section 230? An Expert on Internet Law and Regulation Explains the Legislation that Paved the Way for Facebook, Google and Twitter

The 1996 law passed while the internet was still embryonic and downright terrifying to some lawmakers for what it could unleash.

Ideas

Big Tech Has a Vaccine Misinformation Problem – Here’s What a Social Media Expert Recommends

Individuals and groups that spread medical misinformation are well organized to exploit the weaknesses of the engagement-driven ecosystems on social media platforms.

Ideas

Why People End Up Mad When AI Flags Toxic Speech

Facebook says its artificial intelligence models identified and pulled down 27 million pieces of hate speech in the final three months of 2020.

Ideas

News Media Accidentally Boosted Russian Disinformation Tweets

Mainstream and hyperpartisan news media significantly amplified Internet Research Agency messaging and contributed to that follower growth by unknowingly embedding its tweets in their content.

Ideas

It's Too Easy to Troll Like a Russian

We're scholars, but amateurs, and we found it alarming how quickly we imagined a personalized misinformation campaign with actual publicly available data.

Ideas

Researchers: Users Shouldn't Be on the Hook for Data Security

In reality, we have almost no power over our data and who uses it for what, according to the study.

Digital Government

Defense Digital Service Director Used Signal App In Violation of Pentagon Policy, IG Says

The DOD Office of Inspector General found evidence that outgoing DDS Director Brett Goldstein also encouraged subordinates to use the encrypted messaging app.

Cybersecurity

White House Calls for Agencies and Tech Companies to Share Info to Combat Domestic Terrorism

A new strategy asks social media and communications companies to enforce their own policies to protect users from those who foment violence.

Digital Government

Internet Ads Are a Popular Tax Target for Both Parties

The proliferation of unwanted internet ads and Big Tech’s staggering pandemic profits have fueled bipartisan efforts to capture revenue from tech companies’ mining of personal information.

Ideas

Teens Have a Hard Time Finding Truth Online

Researchers say students need to be prepared for a world filled with a continual flow of misleading information.

Emerging Tech

DARPA Calling for AI Proposals to Measure How Authoritarian Regimes Control Information

Tech developed under the program could help the Defense Department react to repressive actions in cyberspace.