Digital Government

Senators Question DOJ’s Surveillance of Americans’ Cell Phone Location Records

Lawmakers want the attorney general to explain how the collection of cellular location data has changed following a recent SCOTUS decision.

Emerging Tech

Las Vegas Gambles on a 'Smart City' Technology Makeover

The casino mecca is piloting countless new technologies in public spaces in a bid to boost its smart-city brand. Worrying about the risks will come later.

Emerging Tech

The Microphones That May Be Hidden in Your Home

The controversy around Google’s Nest home-security devices shows that consumers never really know what their personal technology is capable of.

Digital Government

Why the Amazon Pushback Is Also About Immigrants

After the HQ2 cancellation in Queens, Amazon’s connections to federal immigration enforcement are drawing scrutiny and criticism in other cities, too.

Ideas

The Dangers of a Mandatory DNA Database

A controversy in Arizona is a portent of future public-policy fights.

Ideas

The Problem With a ‘Smart’ Border Wall

To resolve Trump’s impasse, many lawmakers have proposed boosting surveillance technology to create a virtual border wall. Is that more humane and effective?

Emerging Tech

Amazon Proposes Facial Recognition Guidelines to Policymakers

The company called for “open, honest and earnest dialogue” instead of a ban.

Emerging Tech

27 Groups Call on Congress to Deny ‘Smart Wall’ Funding

Groups are speaking out against a congressional proposal to up spending on surveillance tech on the border.

Emerging Tech

Amazon Shareholders Move to Stop Selling Facial Recognition Tech to Government Agencies

A group of shareholders filed a resolution to halt sales until they can consider the tech’s societal impact.

Emerging Tech

Survey: Americans Warming to Use of Facial Recognition Tech

Americans do not favor strict limits on facial recognition technology, according to a new national survey.

Emerging Tech

The FBI is Trying Amazon’s Facial-Recognition Software

The software allows the FBI to go through video surveillance footage much faster than agents can.

Emerging Tech

The Fears Behind Amazon’s ‘Eyes on the Street’

The tech company’s proposed facial-recognition doorbell could be a civil libertarian’s nightmare.

Emerging Tech

China’s Electric Cars Are Government Spies

There are currently 1.4 million electric cars providing data, including real-time location.

Emerging Tech

Humans Made Drones by Copying Birds. Birds Are Fighting Back.

As machines fill the skies, they meet resistance from the animals who already live there.

Emerging Tech

Who’s Tracking Your License Plate?

Automated license plate readers are collecting and sharing tons of data across state lines, according to records from nearly 200 police departments nationwide.

Emerging Tech

The City of the Future Is a Data-Collection Machine

In Toronto, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, hopes to create the sensor-filled metropolis of tomorrow.