On with Kara Swisher Time for a Data Privacy Bill + the TikTok Crackdown with Senator Maria Cantwell
Apr 29, 2024
Senator Maria Cantwell, a former tech executive and the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, discusses her groundbreaking American Privacy Rights Act that aims to establish stronger data privacy protections. She reflects on her early experiences at RealNetworks and the evolution of privacy in technology, addressing the urgent need for effective laws amid big tech's influence. Furthermore, she delves into the controversial TikTok divestment bill, highlighting its constitutional implications, bipartisan efforts, and the broader challenges surrounding global tech regulation.
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Early Privacy Concerns
- Kara Swisher and Maria Cantwell first met in the 1990s when Cantwell worked at RealNetworks.
- They discussed privacy concerns, which were prominent even in the early days of streaming media.
Tech's Early Promise and Perils
- Early tech pioneers saw the internet's potential for positive change, like enabling communication during the Bosnian conflict.
- However, they also encountered early privacy issues, like RealNetworks' spyware controversy.
Need for Clear Privacy Guidelines
- RealNetworks' spyware controversy highlighted the need for clear privacy rules.
- Developers included spyware in the code without clear guidelines, revealing a need for C-suite oversight.