The Vergecast This week's Section 230 hearing / gadgets go to QVC / Motorola Razr 2020 review
Oct 30, 2020
Adi Robertson, a technology reporter focused on social media and internet policy, shares insights from the recent congressional hearing on Section 230. The discussion reveals the chaotic confrontations between lawmakers and tech CEOs, highlighting the political undertones. Ashley Carman, known for exploring hardware startups, discusses how gadget makers are turning to QVC-like shopping channels amidst changing retail landscapes. Lastly, they review the Motorola Razr 2020, noting its 5G capabilities but critiquing its camera performance.
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Trump's Website
- 33 weeks ago, Donald Trump promised a COVID testing website built by Google engineers.
- The website never materialized, highlighting the administration's ineffective pandemic response.
Verily Testing Program Failure
- Verily's COVID testing program, initially overhyped, failed in San Francisco and Oakland.
- Requiring a Google account for testing limited accessibility, especially for vulnerable populations.
Section 230 Hearing Circus
- A Section 230 hearing with tech CEOs became a platform for political grandstanding.
- Senators focused on individual moderation decisions instead of substantive policy discussion.