This week was a mixed bag of worse, bad, and some good news in slowing down the pace of unethical transgressions by big tech.
Inside Facebook’s Push to Defend Its Image
h/t Sarita Schoenebeck @syardi
“Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive, has signed off on an effort to show users pro-Facebook stories and to distance himself from scandals.” Read more.
Facebook puts Instagram for kids on hold after pushback
h/t Mia Shah-Dand @MiaD
“Facebook is putting a hold on the development of a kids’ version of Instagram, geared toward children under 13, to address concerns that have been raised about the vulnerability of younger users.” Read more.
Facebook Rolls Out News Feed Change That Blocks Watchdogs from Gathering Data
h/t Michelle Manafy @michellemanafy
“The tweak, which targets the code in accessibility features for visually impaired users, drew ire from researchers and those who monitor the platform.” Read more.
Apple is testing whether its devices can detect autism and depression
h/t Shana V. White (she/her) @ShanaVWhite
“The research has the potential to significantly expand the scope of Apple’s diagnostic capabilities. But the privacy implications of having a company like Apple scanning for these health related issues aren’t trivial, and immediately spurred criticism from some privacy advocates, following the Journal’s reporting.” Read more.
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