By Thomas Carey, Sunstein LLP In its current term, the Supreme Court will decide Google v. Oracle, a copyright case that has huge implications for the software industry. The smaller issue, potentially involving billions of dollars, is whether Google’s Android operating […]
Tag: technology
Gig economy innovators face tough fight against California’s daft AB-5 law
“Uber and Postmates’ Important AB-5 Lawsuit Faces an Uphill Battle” By Trace Mitchell and Jennifer Huddleston, courtesy of the Mercatus Center January 1 did not just ring in a new year and a new decade, it also heralded the start of California’s new worker classification law: Assembly Bill 5 (AB-5). Signed last […]
“Uber for Everything” Is Revolutionizing Africa’s Economy
“Uber for Everything” Is Revolutionizing Africa’s Economy By Martha Nojolomole, courtesy of the Foundation for Economic Education “Since its founding in 2008, Airbnb hosts across Africa have earned more than $400 million in direct income from renting out their properties via the service.” – Reuters, 2018 When safari guide Goodwin Ndosi first heard the […]
Politics, technology and environmental change merging in megatrend, threatening upheaval
By Dr. Alexander Görlach, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs The coming months will see three trends from last year merge into a megatrend that will not only define the presidential election in the USA but also send waves across the Atlantic to Europe and across the Pacific to […]
What’s really in the U.S.-China trade deal?
“What Will the US‐China Deal Accomplish on Tech Transfer, IP Protection and Innovation?” By Simon Lester and Huan Zhu, courtesy of the Cato Institute The US-China Economic and Trade Agreement, described as a “phase one” deal, entered into force today (30 days after signature, pursuant to Article 8.3, para. 1). The Agreement has created a […]
Rules playing catchup with transport technology
“Moving America Forward with Transportation Infrastructure” By Krista Chavez, courtesy of the Mercatus Center Imagine receiving emergency medical supplies that were delivered to your house by drone; enjoying a sandwich while your autonomous vehicle drives you from Dallas, Texas, to Salt Lake City, Utah; or taking an air taxi from downtown Los Angeles […]
Time for U.S. and Canada to join the tech metals race
By Larry Reaugh, CEO, American Manganese What makes your smart phone smart? How do electric vehicles propel us down the highway? How does power from the sun and wind reach the light switch in our homes? Materials scientists know. So do the technologists that create the devices and apps we rely on. The […]
Canadian consumers would pay price for digital tax
“Taxing the tech giants: Canadian consumers and businesses will pay the price” Courtesy of MEI/IEDM During the last federal election campaign, all parties promised to raise taxes on the digital giants. Although this is on ice awaiting the conclusion of OECD discussions on the matter, the idea is still present in the public […]
Heavy social media use is bad for teens’ mental health
“Extensive social media use hurts teenagers’ mental health” Courtesy of IZA Social media use can affect adolescents’ well-being and mental health in different ways. On the one hand, social media can promote interaction with peers with similar interests, facilitate communication and information on sensitive topics, and can be a vehicle of collaboration and involvement […]
Best of a Bad Lot: Americans distrust tech less than failing institutions
“Amidst ‘Techlash,’ Many Americans Still View Technology Industry in a Positive Light” By Adam Thierer and Connor Haaland, courtesy of the Mercatus Center Recently, many politicians, journalists, and others have been talking a lot about a “techlash” against Silicon Valley giants from which only government intervention can deliver us. However, Americans hold technology […]