Facebook threatens privacy
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California Bill Could Force Big Tech to Pay for News Content

Tech giants such as Facebook and Google may soon have to pay publishers for news content under a new California bill aimed at reining in Silicon Valley’s dominance. The proposed California Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, would require digital advertising giants to pay news outlets a “journalism usage fee” when they sell advertising alongside news content. The bill would also mandate that publishers invest 70% of the profits from that fee in journalism jobs.

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“Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act” – CIFA – Requires Businesses to Secure Their Networks

The Lieberman Collins “Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act” (CIFA) – so designated because the proposed law is being sponsored by Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins of Maine and also Senator Tom Carper of Delaware (and perhaps, more strategically important, supported by the Obama administration), is intended to help tighten up cyber security and thwart cyber attacks. Ironically, however, say opponents, this ‘Internet freedom act’ means exactly the opposite for businesses, particularly businesses that are designated as “critical infrastructure” companies. That is because CIFA would mandate – require – businesses to meet a Federal standard of network security, and out of their own pocket. (The full text of the proposed legislation is below.)

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New Colorado Texting Law Goes into Effect – No Texting While Driving and No Calls if You’re Under 18

A new Colorado “texting while driving” and “yakking on the phone while driving” law goes into effect at midnight. Starting on the 1st of December, under the new law, it is a criminal offense to text or otherwise enter data into a mobile device, from behind the wheel, while the vehicle is in motion. The new law also prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a cell phone at all while behind the wheel, hands-free or not.