Tech Policy & Regulation
Analyze the intersection of law and technology. Stay updated on global compliance standards, government tech regulations, censorship laws, and evolving digital policies.
333 articles
FCC Robot Import Ban Threatens US Research and Innovation
The FCC banned imports of advanced foreign robots, citing security and competition. But the move could backfire by blocking affordable Chinese robots used in 90% of US university research.
Social Platforms Face Continued Legal Pressure Over User Addiction Claims
Social media companies face thousands of addiction lawsuits after courts rejected their appeals, potentially forcing changes to platform design and legal standards.
After 24 Years, Return to Castle Wolfenstein Goes Uncut in Germany
After 24 years, Return to Castle Wolfenstein is finally uncut in Germany. Bethesda's QuakeCon announcement ends a censorship saga over Nazi symbolism.
Europe Expands IRIS² Satellite Network to 348 Units as Starlink Rival Takes Shape
The European Commission signed an implementation agreement with SpaceRISE, expanding the IRIS² constellation to 348 satellites. First launches are set for 2029, with a €15.6 billion budget to provide secure government communications.
Flock Cameras Spread Nationwide, Location Data Often Hidden
Automated license plate readers from Flock Safety monitor millions of vehicles daily. Learn why transparency varies by jurisdiction and what residents can do.
FCC Proposes Ban on LiDAR-Equipped Foreign Drones, Expanding Covered List Restrictions
The FCC proposes banning foreign drones with LiDAR and other features deemed military-grade. Popular models like DJI's Air 3S could be blocked from U.S. sales. The rule also covers thermal sensors, swarm operations and light shows.
Flock's Abandoned Plan to Turn Uber and Lyft Cars Into Surveillance Cameras
An abandoned Flock plan would have installed license plate readers on 350,000 Uber and Lyft vehicles, raising major privacy concerns.
Internet Fatigue Grows as AI Content, Privacy Breaches Drive User Discontent
A new Incogni survey reveals that AI slop, privacy breaches and endless scrolling are driving users away from the internet, eroding trust and prompting calls for reform.
Greece Deploys Thermal Satellite Constellation to Detect Wildfires Before They Spread
Greece activates four thermal satellites to spot wildfires minutes after ignition. The OroraTech system gives firefighters a crucial early warning edge.
DHS Taps Private Investigators to Locate and Photograph Deported Migrants' Homes Abroad
The Department of Homeland Security is hiring contractors to find and photograph the homes of deported immigrants abroad, raising privacy and oversight concerns.
Google Maps High-Resolution Imagery Sparks Privacy Debate
Google Maps now shows homes in high resolution, raising privacy concerns. Users can request removal, but awareness remains low.
Brussels Targets Meta's Addictive Features, Demands Overhaul
The European Commission preliminarily finds Meta violated the DSA by designing Facebook and Instagram with addictive features, threatening fines up to 6% of turnover.
After Flock Cameras Were Destroyed, the ‘Guardrail Guy’ Steps Back From Criticism
Steve Eimers, known online as the Guardrail Guy, stopped posting about Flock cameras after two of the devices he highlighted were vandalized, raising questions about the cost of digital activism.
ICE DNA Collection Reaches Nearly 1 Million in a Year, Including Children
ICE collected nearly 1 million people's DNA last year, including young children, expanding the FBI criminal database. Internal documents reveal the program's rapid growth under the Trump administration, intensifying privacy and civil liberties debates.
Russia's Wired Mothership Drone Can Deploy Six Tethered Spy UAVs
Russia patented a carrier drone that controls up to six tethered reconnaissance UAVs via physical cables. The design provides jam-proof power and signals but limits range. Each copter returns to the mothership after missions.
You Can Fix Your Broken Gadgets Yourself: The EU's Right to Repair Push
The EU's right to repair directive aims to reduce e-waste, but millions of devices still end up in landfills. A new wave of DIY repair culture, aided by YouTube, is changing how we handle broken electronics.
New EU Rules Force AI Transparency Across Daily Life
The European Union is implementing rules requiring disclosure of AI interactions, raising concerns about disclosure fatigue while aiming to increase transparency.
US Data Center Construction Surges Amid Unresolved Energy and Environmental Concerns
A wave of data center construction is underway across the United States despite persistent issues around energy consumption, water use and local opposition. The buildout reflects the unrelenting demand for AI and cloud infrastructure.
Discarded SpaceX Rocket Stage on Collision Course With Moon Sparks Lunar Debris Concerns
A discarded SpaceX upper stage will hit the moon at 5,400 mph. NASA and South Korea's Danuri orbiter will track the impact, raising questions about debris hazards for future lunar missions.