Technology

Technology

San Jose mayor: Stop blaming tech companies for our problems

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo says it’s time to stop blaming tech companies for the Bay Area’s problems. In a recent question-and-answer session with Jim Wunderman, president of the Bay Area Council, Liccardo opined that Bay Area companies and workers are leaving because of mistakes made by local policy makers. “(Tech companies) are a little...

State task force questions Silicon Valley tech companies about political ads

As politics and big tech increasingly collide, a new state task force is examining whether more regulation is needed to increase accountability for Silicon Valley companies who run digital political advertising. The Digital Transparency Task Force, a division within California’s Fair Political Practices Commission, recently questioned representatives from Google and Facebook about their political advertising...

Silicon Valley legislator blames social media for role in U.S. Capitol attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Finger pointing began before the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol even ended. Many faulted then-President Donald Trump for riling up the mob and making baseless claims about election fraud. Some criticized security officials for failing to secure the Capitol, or accused the media of divisive reporting that pushed Trump supporters...

Tech industry service workers in Silicon Valley fear wave of job losses

Recent layoffs have ignited fear among service workers that Silicon Valley high-tech firms, which have kept them on the payroll and covered by health insurance during the pandemic, may soon reverse course, creating a wave of job losses. Although Facebook, Google, Intel and others have continued to pay their subcontracted service workers during the pandemic,...

Khanna introduces $900 billion bill to expand jobs in science, technology

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, has introduced a bill aimed at expanding job opportunities in science and technology. The 21st Century Jobs Act would allocate $900 billion over 10 years for research and development in emerging technologies, such as climate science, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. It would further create a...

Free speech vs. censorship: Silicon Valley tech giants questioned by Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republicans accused Silicon Valley tech giants of censorship during a hearing Wednesday intended to examine whether a provision in the Communications Decency Act gives internet companies too much protection. Section 230 has become controversial in recent years because it provides tech companies with broad legal immunity for what their users post...

After COVID-19, artificial intelligence is next challenge facing US jobseekers, lawmakers told

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Those looking for employment in the post-coronavirus job market may face additional challenges due to the emergence of artificial intelligence, according to witnesses and lawmakers who spoke at a Thursday House Budget Committee hearing. “As the economy eventually recovers, workers may find it difficult to get their jobs back as companies replace...