The Coronavirus Crisis
Under Cover of Mass Death, Andrew Cuomo Calls in the Billionaires to Build a High-Tech Dystopia
Big tech’s emerging pandemic shock doctrine demands heavy public subsidies for a no-touch, socially distanced coronavirus future.
Technology
The Coronavirus Crisis
The Inventors of Bluetooth Say There Could Be Problems Using Their Tech for Coronavirus Contact Tracing
Judging distance based on the strength of a radio signal is a fraught process that can be stymied by physical obstructions.
The Coronavirus Crisis
Banks Seek Emergency Petition to Reinstate Mass Robocalling. Will It Be Limited to Financial Coronavirus Relief?
Consumer advocates and banks forged an unusual alliance to help disseminate information about financial relief. But now other interests are coming to the fore.
The Coronavirus Crisis
Prisons Launch "Absurd" Attempt to Detect Coronavirus in Inmate Phone Calls
Jails and prisons in at least three states are using software called Verus, financed by Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy, to scan calls for Covid-19 keywords.
The Coronavirus Crisis
Location-Tracking Firm Helping Trump Get Reelected Now Wants to Cash In on Coronavirus
Phunware wants to sell social-distancing enforcement while serving the president who bungled the response to Covid-19.
The Coronavirus Crisis
Facebook Tech Support Contractors Sent Into Work Question “Essential” Designation
The contractors were given letters classifying them as providing “essential services” — setting up laptops for new hires and employees working from home.
Zoom’s Encryption Is “Not Suited for Secrets” and Has Surprising Links to China, Researchers Discover
Zoom rolled out its own encryption system and included an algorithm with known serious issues, say University of Toronto researchers.
The Coronavirus Crisis
Privacy Experts Say Responsible Coronavirus Surveillance Is Possible
Data collected to fight the pandemic should not be used for other purposes and should only be requested by health officials.
Zoom Meetings Aren’t End-to-End Encrypted, Despite Misleading Marketing
The videoconferencing service can access conversations on its platform.
The Coronavirus Crisis
Facebook's $1,000 Coronavirus Bonus Doesn't Apply to Its Most Vulnerable Workers
Facebook gave employees a $1,000 bonus to help deal with the coronavirus crisis — but left out its tens of thousands of full-time contractors.