Between 2005 and 2018 Apple spent US$60 million lobbying Congress. Here’s how the company spends that money.
politics
Silicon Valley Lobbyists Want to Limit California Consumer Privacy Act
Silicon Valley lobbying groups are trying to gut the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
The California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, gives residents of California the ability to request the data that businesses collect on them, demand that it be deleted, and opt out of having that data sold to third parties, among other things. But last week, the California Assembly’s Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection advanced a series of bills that would either amend CCPA or carve out exemptions for certain categories of businesses.
I have a couple of opinions here. I think groups affected by a certain bill or law should have the right to voice their opinion. On the other hand I feel uneasy by corporate lobbying focused on donating or influencing political campaigns where there is a conflict of interest.
The Redacted Mueller Report is Here
The Mueller Report has now been uploaded and released to the public, and it has been heavily redacted. It’s 448 pages long.
This report is submitted to the Attorney General pursuant to 28 C.F.R. § 600.8(c), which states that, “[a]t the conclusion of the Special Counscl’s work, he…shall provide the Attorney General a confidential report explaining the prosecution or declination decisions [the Special Counsel] reached.”
Ajit Pai Calls Renewed Net Neutrality Efforts a Political Strategy
In a visit to New Jersey, FCC chairman Ajit Pai called Democrats’ net neutrality efforts a “political strategy.”
MAGA App '63red Safe' Leaks User Data
A French security researcher found an app called 63red Safe has been described as a “Yelp for conservatives,” has been leaking customer data.
Googling the Word "Idiot" Turns up Photos of Trump
Google CEO Sundar Pichai is facing the House Judiciary Committee today, and he’s having to explain some awkward questions.
Facebook Brings Political Ad Shake-up to UK
Facebook has announced a shake-up of how it handles political advertising in the UK, bringing rules from the US into other markets.
Apple News Features a Section for 2018 Midterm Elections
Today Apple launched a dedication section in Apple News for the 2018 midterm elections. It’s aimed at casual readers and critics alike.
New Yorker Pokes Fun at Donald Trump with Google Arts & Culture App
The New Yorker underscores how popular the museum art face comparison feature is in the Google Arts & Culture app with a clever political cartoon.
Tim Cook’s Political Junket and Amazon’s Master Plan for Alexa - ACM 426
Is Tim Cook running for President? Bryan and Jeff take a look at his recent higher public profile and the political junket he seemed to take through the midwest. They also talk about Amazon’s recent improvements to Alexa and how they fit in with the company’s master plan for the platform.
The Mystery of New Mac Pros, Apple and Politics, and Robot Welfare - ACM 405
Apple kind of announced a new Mac Pro and professional display, but Bryan and Jeff want to know how we got here. They also take another look at how politics increasingly intersect with a tech giant like Apple, and discuss our robot welfare future.
Apple and Politics, Apple Watch Stand Out Features - TMO Daily Observations 2017-03-16
Apple didn’t sign the amicus brief opposing the second travel ban executive order, but that doesn’t mean the company supports it. John Martellaro and Dave Hamilton join Jeff Gamet to talk about Apple’s political versus business positions, plus they look at the features that keep them using their Apple Watch.
Bryan Chaffin Talks about How Politics Intersects with Technology
Chuck Joiner asked me on to MacVoices to talk about Apple, the tech world, and politics. In this video podcast, I make the case that Apple is just plain too big to avoid politics. From regulations, to taxation policy, to international posturing, to the fact that Apple is worth almost US$700 billion, Apple can’t avoid politics. More importantly, the broader tech world itself that it increasingly intersects with tech. I think I spewed off about getting older and struggling to understand Millennials, too. It’s all kind of hazy, but that didn’t stop Chuck from making that part of his title…oh, and check out that key frame he picked. Why did I agree to do this show again? … Oh, right, because I luuuuurve me some Chucky J!
Apple CEO Tim Cook Says Trump's Muslim Ban 'Is Not a Policy We Support'
Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees Saturday that President Trump’s Muslim ban, “is not a policy we support.” Echoing his many previous comments on diversity, Mr. Cook said, “Apple would not exist without immigration.”
Apple Says No to GOP Convention Over Trump
Apple won’t provide any funding or support to the Republican presidential convention because of Donald Trump’s negatively charged position on women, minorities, and immigrants. Other tech companies are staying out of this year’s event, too, and some are scaling back their support, showing how controversial the Republican presumptive president nominee is.