Technology
Policy
Facebook messaging merger sparks antitrust concerns
With little oversight, horizontal mergers have hindered free market competition
New York City
Policy
Cuomo’s L train plan shows how he controls the MTA
A month of friction reveals the MTA board’s limited power and Andrew Cuomo’s control.
Technology
Policy
MIT study backs AOC on algorithm bias
Days after U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez elicited a minor uproar over her claim that human bias is baked into facial recognition algorithms, a new study from MIT Media Lab found that Amazon’s facial recognition technology was prone to errors in determining the gender of female faces and darker-skinned faces.
Technology
Policy
U.S. tech giants spent big on lobbying in 2018
New filings shed light on some of U.S. tech giants' less visible lobbying efforts.
Technology
Policy
City Council shifts gears on e-bike legalization
New York City Council Transportation Committee convened to discuss the question of legalizing electric bikes and scooters.
New York City
Policy
Microsoft’s housing pledge could be a model for Amazon
A similar move by Amazon in Long Island City could buy the company some goodwill with its new neighbors.
New York City
Policy
New York politicians’ biggest flip-flops
How New York politicians ‘evolved’ on pot, guns, immigrants, LGBT rights and homelessness.
New York City
Policy
Privacy advocates score win against NYPD over surveillance technology
The New York Police Department was hit with a court order to release information related to cell phone and social media surveillance of Black Lives Matters protesters.
New York City
Policy
How New York officials are responding to criticism of Amazon’s HQ2
While Amazon is playing offense, some of the staunchest supporters of the HQ2 deal are trying to play defense.
New York State
Policy
A tech surge for Syracuse
A project dubbed “Syracuse Surge” which will be focused on tech-related priorities.
Andrew Cuomo
Policy
Has the new L plan unearthed an MTA innovation crisis?
Board members clashed with management at an emergency meeting over Cuomo’s surprise plan.
Technology
Policy
Focusing on William Barr’s antitrust record
A former executive at Verizon and board member at Time Warner, William Barr previously clashed with the Justice Department’s antitrust head.
New York State
Policy
New York makes moves against restrictive voting laws
New York Democratic lawmakers say newly-passed voter reform laws are just the beginning.
Donald Trump
Policy
Trump’s potential about-face on highly skilled immigrants
As the government shutdown lingers on, President Donald Trump may be willing to re-think H-1B visas.
Technology
Policy
The shutdown’s toll on tech
The government shutdown is getting a bit old – not just for the employees furloughed or working without pay, but for those in the tech community who were hoping to start the new year on stronger footing.
Andrew Cuomo
Policy
Which electoral reforms would make the biggest difference?
If Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature want to expand voting access and enable more participation, some reforms will work better than others, voting rights experts say. Based on data in other states, here is a ranking of potential reforms – from most to least effective at increasing the size and diversity of the electorate.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Will upstate Catholic legislators support the Child Victims Act?
The sex abuse scandal in Buffalo makes it more likely.
Bill de Blasio
Policy
A breakdown of New York City’s new ‘universal health care’ plan
New York City’s new ‘universal health care’ plan is an effort to get the uninsured to take advantage of existing programs.
Technology
Policy
The state Legislature is waking up to the importance of tech
State Sen. Diane Savino and Assemblyman Clyde Vanel plan to lead their colleagues in carefully regulating disruptive technologies.
New York State
Policy