Tech Brew Ride Home Wed. 08/18 – WhatsApp Shuts Down Taliban “Helpline”
Aug 18, 2021
This installment delves into WhatsApp's response to the Taliban's online activities, showcasing the challenges of moderating extremist content. Amazon has dethroned Walmart, becoming the largest retailer outside China. Samsung is cleaning up its user experience by removing ads from default apps. A hacker returned stolen funds in a DeFi incident, raising ethical questions around hacking. The episode also touches on regulatory changes in the UK and a dramatic conclusion to a year-long battle in the online game EVE Online.
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Taliban's Social Media Use
- The Taliban uses social media like WhatsApp for communication and control.
- This presents a challenge for platforms deciding whether to ban them, as it could be seen as legitimizing their rule.
Amazon Overtakes Walmart
- Amazon surpassed Walmart in retail sales outside China, accelerated by the pandemic.
- Increased online shopping during lockdowns contributed to Amazon's growth.
Samsung Removing Ads
- Samsung will remove ads from default apps on its devices.
- This addresses user complaints about intrusive ads on expensive smartphones.