#Tech Policy

[thoughtportal]

Cory Doctorow on Democracy Now on tech laws and tariffs

[kaurwreck]

If you're following KOSA, you should also be following state legislation, which is much more rapidly adopting tech regulation related to child safety than Congress. For reference, in 2023, 13 states adopted 23 laws related to child safety online.

Even if your locality hasn't adopted similar tech regulation, online platforms, apps, and websites are rarely operating in only some states. When regulations become patchwork, it's often easier for companies to adopt policies reflective of the most stringent regulations relevant to their service for all users, rather than try to implement different policies for users based on each user's location.

I know this because that's what happened when patchwork data privacy regulations began swelling — which is why many webites have privacy policies reflective of the GDPR that apply even to users outside of Europe. I also know this because I'm a tech lawyer — I'm the wet cat drafting policies for and advising tech and video game companies on how to navigate messy, convoluted, and patchwork US regulatory obligations.

So, when I say this is how companies are thinking about this, I mean this is how my coworkers and I have to think about this. And because the US is such a large market, this could impact users outside the US, too.

[mileymint]

Oh look another disgusting pyramid scheme app that takes your info to probably sell it! 

To the influential people out there who see this, make sure this app burns to the f--king ground. I’m so tired of the billion Temu ads on youtube and I finally have an actual reason to hate it.

keep seeing Temu ads on here so just to share cause idk if people are widely aware

[themorningnewsinformer]

China’s 2025 Tech Ambitions: What the World Needs to Know

Introduction: China’s Technological Leap Forward As 2025 approaches, China is making significant strides in technology, aiming to transform itself into a global tech powerhouse. Central to this ambition is the Made in China 2025 initiative, which focuses on advancing sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and robotics. These developments have far-reaching implications for…

[ivygorgon]

An open letter to the President & U.S. Congress

The DATA Act and the RESTRICT Act are un-American

518 so far! Help us get to 1,000 signers!

I'm alarmed by the Ban TikTok discussion & the RESTRICT Act. We're a democratic country with a First Amendment that guarantees free expression. How does banning a social media platform abide by that principle? Especially since the US government condemns authoritarian governments in other parts of the world for blocking US-based social networks. Examples:

When Nigeria banned Twitter for seven months in June 2021, the U.S. condemned it, reiterating its support for "the fundamental human right of free expression & access to information as a pillar of democracy."

Individuals responsible for the blocking of social media applications in Iran were condemned as "engaging in censorship activities that prohibit, limit, or penalize the exercise of freedom of expression or assembly by citizens of Iran."

When American digital platforms have been banned or severely restricted by governments--including the Chinese Communist Party, Pakistan, & Uganda--seeking to silence & obstruct the open flow of communication & information, the US calls these entities out for it. So why are we doing the same?

TikTok is a red herring. The DATA Act & the RESTRICT Act are very broad & could lead to other apps or communications services with connections to foreign countries being banned in the US. The stated intention is to target apps/services that pose a threat to national security; the way it's currently written raises serious human & civil rights concerns that should be far more important to you.

Caitlin Vogus says: "Any bill that would allow the US government to ban an online service that facilitates Americans' speech raises serious First Amendment concerns…" And those concerns will impact marginalized & oppressed people & groups more.

The "reasoning" behind Ban TikTok is not sound. The racist fearmongering around China is bad enough. Worse is the core of the argument -- data being collected & shared & used against people -- is a problem with ALL social media. Why isn't Congress focusing on that? The apps on your phone (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Twitter) are constantly monitoring you & sending information about you to data brokers. Info that can be easily tied to you as an individual despite claims that all the data is "anonymized".

Congress should be addressing the larger problem & not one social network. Restricting what data they can collect about users & forbidding them from selling that data will address the issue with TikTok, too.

I urge you to kill the DATA Act & the RESTRICT Act. They need to be tossed out & more measured legislation proposed in their place that addresses the foundational problems of social media apps & services & the data they collect & who they share it with & how they & other entities use that data.

I know that's not as easy or sexy as Ban TikTok! It does address our Constitutional right to assemble & free expression. That's far more important than knee-jerk reactions & bandwagon jumping.

▶ Created on March 31, 2023 by K T

Text SIGN PNSIMC to 50409

[goodoldbandit]

Tech Tomorrow: Ethics & Policy for a Bright Future.

Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo. skm.stayingalive.in Explore how ethics and policy shape tech progress, from digital rights and privacy to regulatory challenges in emerging tech. The Tech Crossroad A New Era Demands Clear Ethics and Strong Policy Technology has come far in a short time. Our choices now shape many lives. We face hard questions every day. Our tools are strong and…

[floridabills]

Florida House Bill 743: Social Media Use by Minors

Introduced in House on Mar 21, 2025.

Summary: Social Media Use by Minors; Requires social media platforms to allow parents or guardians & law enforcement officers to view messages & prohibit minor account holders from using or accessing certain messages.

Link to bill information: https://www.billsponsor.com/bills/704165/florida-house-bill-743-session-2025

[tejkohli25]

The Impact of Brexit on UK Tech Investments

The UK’s departure from the European Union marked a turning point for the nation’s tech industry. Once a magnet for global investment, the post-Brexit landscape now poses new challenges and opportunities for UK tech startups and investors. Issues like regulatory divergence, talent shortages, and funding access are reshaping the way businesses operate. Understanding these changes is crucial for navigating the evolving tech ecosystem.

To explore how Brexit-related policies continue to influence investment, check out this in-depth article.

How Brexit Affects Tech Investment in the UK

1. Regulatory Uncertainty

Divergence from EU regulations creates uncertainty for data privacy, intellectual property, and fintech compliance.

UK tech firms now need to align with dual regulatory systems when operating in EU markets.

Delays and inconsistencies in policy clarity have made some international investors hesitant.

2. Access to Talent and Skilled Workforce

The end of free movement with the EU has restricted access to tech talent, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and software development.

Visa constraints and increased administrative burdens impact hiring efficiency.

UK tech firms must now focus more on local upskilling and remote hiring strategies.

3. Disruption in Funding & Investment Flows

Several EU-funded programs and VC networks are no longer accessible to UK-based startups.

There’s a growing reliance on domestic and US-based investors to fill the gap.

Startups face increased competition for grants, venture capital, and R&D funding.

4. Cross-Border Trade Barriers

Tech hardware exports and imports are affected by new tariffs and customs procedures.

Delays in cross-border logistics increase supply chain costs for UK tech companies.

Opportunities Emerging from Brexit

1. Independent Regulatory Frameworks

The UK can now customize its digital and data protection laws to encourage innovation.

There’s potential for pro-business tax reforms and funding incentives tailored for tech startups.

2. Strengthening Global Trade Relationships

Post-Brexit trade deals open the door to non-EU partnerships in North America, Asia, and Africa.

UK tech firms are diversifying markets to reduce reliance on the European bloc.

3. Boost in Domestic Innovation

Government initiatives like Innovate UK aim to support homegrown startups.

Investment in AI, green tech, and quantum computing is being prioritized to boost local capacity.

Tej Kohli’s Take on UK Tech and Brexit

Tech entrepreneur Tej Kohli emphasizes that while Brexit introduced barriers, it also presents an opportunity to reshape the UK as a sovereign tech powerhouse. His key insights include:

Policy alignment with innovation goals is vital to keep the UK globally competitive.

Investing in UK-led R&D and technology is essential for long-term resilience.

The UK must strengthen talent pipelines and offer incentives to attract top-tier tech professionals.

Conclusion

Brexit’s impact on UK tech investments is multi-dimensional—posing risks while also revealing paths to innovation and independence. For the UK to remain a leading tech hub, it must embrace policy reforms, international partnerships, and talent development. As Tej Kohli and other thought leaders suggest, the post-Brexit era offers a unique chance to rebuild the UK’s tech narrative with agility and ambition.

[buzzofnews234]

Trump Files Supreme Court Petition to Protect TikTok

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a Supreme Court petition to protect TikTok, seeking to reverse previous orders to ban the app. The move highlights his evolving stance on the platform, which faced scrutiny during his presidency over national security concerns. The case could have significant implications for tech policy and user access.

[just-about-nothing]

if this site really cared about tech issues yall'd be posting things like

brb kissing johnathan kanter with tongue

but noooooo i have not seen ONE post like this. shameful really

[ivygorgon]

10,473 so far! Help us get to 25,000 signers!

▶ Created on May 8, 2023 by Mel · 522 signers in the past 7 days

An open letter to the President & U.S. Congress Vote No on the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) S.1409

I urge you to vote no on the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) S.1409. As reported in CNBC and Axios, this bill actively harms kids. Nearly 100 human rights and LGBTQ+ organizations, including the American Library Association, GLAAD, and GLSEN, signed an open letter opposing the prior bill in November 2022 because of how dangerous it is. On this new bill, Evan Greer (EFF) wrote, “I’ve read through it and can say unequivocally that the changes that have been made DO NOT address the concerns that we raised...” KOSA won’t make kids safer. This bill allows any state attorney general to sue any website for “harmful” content. When you have Republicans calling anything LGBTQ+ “sexual exploitation” or anything about race “CRT” to successfully remove books, teachers, and people from the public eye, it’s clear they will use this power to dictate what content platforms can show to minors. The Missouri Attorney General used “mental health” successfully to ban gender-affirming care, which will lead to skyrocketing suicide rates for trans youth. KOSA also hands more private data of children to social media platforms. Per the ACLU, “...the bill would legitimize platforms’ already pervasive data collection to identify which users are minors when it should be seeking to curb those data abuses. Moreover, parental guidance in minors’ online lives is critical, but KOSA would mandate surveillance tools without regard to minors’ home situations or safety. KOSA would be a step backward in making the internet a safer place for children and minors.”

[bacchuschucklefuck]

space sweepers but they're delivery people and are at no point on screen through the entire movie

[locally-normal]

Hot take: we should ban algorithmic media feeds. Like tiktok and it's clones, the twitter timeline, Facebook, etc. Chronological or most upvoted is fine.

This isn't a free speech issue since all the short videos and posts are perfectly allowable, it's a limitation on corporations and what they can do. Corporations imo have no natural right to speech.

[tejkohli25]

Why Policy Decisions Matter for Tech Growth

Tech innovation thrives in environments where government policies support research, investment, and infrastructure development. However, regulatory decisions can either accelerate or hinder technological advancements, influencing everything from startup funding to data security laws. Understanding how policy changes shape the tech industry is crucial for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

For expert insights on how government policies impact tech growth, check out this article.

How Government Policies Influence Tech Growth

1. Funding & Investment Incentives

Government-backed grants, subsidies, and tax relief programs support startups and tech innovation.

Policies such as R&D tax credits encourage businesses to invest in cutting-edge research.

Nations with pro-business regulations attract foreign tech investment, strengthening economic growth.

2. Regulation of Emerging Technologies

AI, blockchain, and quantum computing require clear regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical deployment.

Data privacy laws like GDPR impact how tech companies collect and use consumer information.

Balancing regulation and innovation ensures technological growth without compromising security.

3. Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity

Policies that promote 5G expansion, broadband access, and cloud computing drive digital transformation.

Investments in smart cities and IoT infrastructure create new business opportunities.

Government-led tech initiatives fuel public-private partnerships for large-scale innovation.

Challenges Posed by Policy Decisions

1. Overregulation & Innovation Slowdown

Excessive regulations can create barriers to entry for startups, limiting competition and innovation.

Strict compliance requirements increase operational costs for tech businesses.

2. Uncertain Policy Environments

Frequent changes in tax structures and regulatory policies make long-term business planning difficult.

Post-Brexit trade uncertainties impact UK-based tech firms operating in global markets.

3. Talent Shortages & Immigration Policies

Restrictive visa policies limit access to skilled AI, cybersecurity, and software development talent.

Governments must address education and workforce training gaps to support industry growth.

Opportunities for Growth Through Policy Innovation

1. Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration

Governments can foster innovation by partnering with tech firms, universities, and research institutions.

Encouraging corporate investment in AI, fintech, and biotech sectors can drive economic expansion.

2. Tax Reforms to Support Startups

Lowering corporate tax rates and increasing R&D incentives can help early-stage tech firms scale.

Encouraging venture capital investment in emerging tech sectors will spur entrepreneurship.

3. Ethical AI & Data Security Regulations

Well-structured AI governance frameworks can prevent misuse while allowing AI innovation to flourish.

Governments must balance data security laws with business needs to encourage responsible tech growth.

Tej Kohli’s Perspective on Tech Policy & Growth

Tech investor Tej Kohli has emphasized that government policies must support, not hinder, innovation. His insights include:

Pro-business tax structures attract foreign investment in AI and deep tech.

Regulatory clarity is essential to ensure that startups can scale globally.

Public-sector initiatives in education and talent development are crucial for tech-driven economies.

Conclusion

Tech growth depends on forward-thinking policies that balance innovation, regulation, and investment incentives. Policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs must work together to create an ecosystem that fosters technological advancement while ensuring economic sustainability.

[1134soup]

How are we feeling about these topics 💥💥💥💥💥💪💪💪

[political-us]

https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/trump-revokes-biden-executive-order-addressing-ai-risks-2025-01-21/

The use of AI to recreate someone's likeness in videos and audio, often referred to as "deepfakes," is a complex legal area. While there are existing laws against impersonation and unauthorized use of an individual's likeness, the rapid advancement of AI technologies has outpaced specific legislation addressing deepfakes. The rescission of Biden's executive order may lead to fewer federal regulations specifically targeting AI-generated content, potentially creating a legal gray area regarding the use of someone's likeness without consent.