Bytes: Week in Review — FTC’s latest tech crackdown, Trump’s pro-crypto campaign and Threads turns a year old
Jul 12, 2024
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Natasha Mascarenhas from The Information discusses the GOP embracing crypto and AI, Trump's AI policy, and Meta's Threads app turning one. They cover topics such as the FTC cracking down on NGL, GOP's friendly approach to tech, and Meta's platform milestone.
FTC intervenes to protect minors from app misconduct, enforcing online safety regulations.
GOP embraces crypto and AI, marking a shift towards tech innovation and deregulation within the party.
Deep dives
Crackdown on NGL App by the Federal Trade Commission
The FTC has accused the popular anonymous messaging app NGL of exaggerating its AI's ability to combat cyberbullying and violating children's privacy laws. They reached a settlement with the app's parent company, resulting in a ban on minors utilizing the app. Despite NGL's strong presence and success, the allegations highlight the FTC's commitment to safeguarding minors and addressing app misconduct. This intervention signifies a significant move to protect young users and enforce online safety regulations.
Republican Party Stance on Cryptocurrency and AI
The Republican Party, under the influence of former President Donald Trump, has embraced a pro-cryptocurrency and AI stance for their 2024 platform. Trump's public support for crypto, including investments and NFTs, contrasts with past skepticism, indicating a strategic shift. The party's policy direction towards cryptocurrency mining legalization aligns with broader trends in tech policy. Additionally, their call to roll back the Biden administration's AI regulations underscores a growing emphasis on tech innovation and deregulation within the GOP.
Meta's Threads App Performance and Impact
Meta's Threads app, celebrating its first anniversary, boasts over 175 million users but still falls short compared to established platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Despite a strong initial user base, sustaining growth remains crucial, especially in retaining active users beyond the launch phase. The app's positioning as a gentler alternative to X aims to mitigate political discourse but faces challenges in defining its user base and encouraging regular engagement. Evaluating user activity and impact will be key to determining the platform's long-term success.
The Republican Party officially adopted former President Donald Trump’s 2024 platform this week. The GOP is now taking a friendly approach to cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, with plans to roll back regulation of both. Plus, Meta’s Threads platform celebrates its one-year anniversary this month. But first, the Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on the popular messaging app NGL. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino is joined by Natasha Mascarenhas, reporter at The Information, for her take on this week’s tech news.
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