Commentary
Real journalism tells real stories, not YouTube fables to solicit money
Real journalism is distinct from social news tricks for clicks. Journalists hold the powerful accountable, and most won't ask you for money.
Social Media
Technology
‘We’re basically pushers:’ Two California courtrooms hear how companies may have hooked kids on social media
Lawsuits in California federal and state court are unearthing documents embarrassing to tech companies — and may be a tipping point into federal regulation.
Technology
California orders Elon Musk’s AI company to immediately stop sharing sexual deepfakes
Attorney General Rob Bonta said it is a violation of California law to create and distribute of nonconsensual sexual AI images as xAI has done.
Commentary
Gavin Newsom’s fables create a target-rich environment for his critics
A fake Elon Musk YouTube video criticizing Newsom is a taste of the social media scrutiny he'll endure while running for president.
Commentary
If hate-fueled algorithms cause real-world harm, California tech companies should pay
California legislation that would enable people to sue social media companies if their algorithm spurs violence or other harms just needs the governor's signature.
Health
After CalMatters investigation, LinkedIn and Google face lawsuit alleging improper access to health data
The suit accuses the companies of receiving personal information through California’s state health insurance exchange.
Health
How the state sent Californians’ personal health data to LinkedIn
The state’s health insurance exchange transmitted pregnancy and domestic abuse data during a marketing campaign. It is reviewing its website practices.
Commentary
Children are addicted to technology created in California. Let’s clean up our mess
Finally, California is enacting laws to protect children from social media addiction and the harms of smartphones. It's a welcome sign for many families that have endured tragedy or hardship.
Commentary
California bills could restore journalism after Big Tech’s ‘second gold rush’ pushed industry to the brink
Silicon Valley's mega-platforms have been getting away with unprecedented control and profit-taking, clearly aiming to control news reporting itself. Two California bills would rightly check their power.
Capitol
Doxxing victims in California may gain right to sue to ‘bring some power back’
A state bill would allow doxxing victims to sue those responsible in civil court for as much as $30,000, plus attorneys’ fees and court costs. Supporters say it’s needed to stem online harassment against LGBTQ residents and others.