What next for the web?

What next for the web?

The 30th birthday of the World Wide Web saw its founder publish an open letter reflecting on how the web has changed our world. He  identifies what must be done to build a better web that serves all of humanity. “The web has become a public square, a library, a...
Fake news and the hijacking of public opinion

Fake news and the hijacking of public opinion

British Members of Parliament are agitating for tougher regulations to combat fake news. In a report released on 18 February 2019, the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee said Facebook had put democracy at risk by allowing voters to be targeted...
To share or not to share

To share or not to share

A friend forwarded a YouTube video reporting on an apparent practice in a Central Asian country of abducting women for marriage. My friend was understandably appalled at the violence and injustice, and was asking organizations and friends to highlight it. I didn’t. It...
Digital surveillance: Who watches the watchers?

Digital surveillance: Who watches the watchers?

Last year Australia passed a bill weakening security on the iPhones and software people rely on in today’s digital world. This sweeping law could force tech companies to access encrypted data. Australia is not alone in designing a national security strategy that...
I Got Algorithm

I Got Algorithm

How to prevent social networks from damaging the well-being of young people? Amid a plethora of writings on the impact of social media on young people, a vital issue has surfaced. In “The Guardian view on mental health online: protect the vulnerable” (28 January...
Mind your language!

Mind your language!

Masculine, feminine, or gender-neutral? For years, the English have avoided saying “he” or “she” by replacing it with “they”. Called the singular “they”, it occurs in sentences such as: “Somebody left their umbrella in the office. Would they please collect it?” “Who...