Marketplace Tech

Amir Rashidi, director for digital rights and security at the Miaan Group, explains how Iran’s National Information Network keeps citizens cut off from the global internet. He outlines what the intranet permits and censors. He reviews past shutdown patterns and the limited workarounds like VPNs, mesh tools, and satellite options.

Eric Goldman, law professor and co-director of Santa Clara University's High Tech Law Institute, explores recent verdicts holding major platforms responsible for addictive design. He discusses how these trials could shape thousands of pending suits and influence product changes. He also explains legal strategies around Section 230 and the likely appellate fights to watch.

Matt Kropp, managing director and senior partner at Boston Consulting Group and co-author of a BCG study on AI-related cognitive exhaustion, talks about 'AI brain fry'. He explains how closely managing AI tools can drain attention. He contrasts managing AI with managing people and outlines business costs. He offers workplace redesign tips and personal coping strategies.

Nola Agha, sports management professor at the University of San Francisco and expert on sports governance, breaks down MLB’s new Automated Ball-Strike system. She explains how camera tracking and Hawkeye define a digital strike zone. She discusses fairness, umpire roles, technical limits like 3D tracking, and how data might reshape officiating and fan expectations.

Maria Curi, tech policy reporter at Axios, breaks down this week’s big tech headlines. She covers a landmark court ruling on social platforms’ addictive design and its wider legal ripple effects. She also explains a new AI literacy course from the Department of Labor and Kalshi’s fresh self-regulation steps for prediction markets.

Jim Harkness, chief engineer leading the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild, oversees design, structural work, and monitoring plans. He discusses a higher, longer cable-stayed design. Sensors will provide near-real-time structural health data. Towers will include elevators and equipment for maintenance. The new bridge will handle heavier port loads and aims to open in late 2030.

Linda Tadic, digital archivist and founder of Digital Bedrock, rescues and preserves obsolete audio and media for broadcasters. She shares horror stories of seemingly vanished digital tapes. She explains why old hardware and legacy systems are often needed to recover files. She warns that cloud storage still depends on physical media and requires active migration.

Megan McCarty Carino, Marketplace reporter who covers markets and regulation. She breaks down how prediction platforms operate across state gambling rules. She explains why regulators view some contracts as futures. She discusses manipulation risks, military-related betting concerns, and what the CFTC might require for market integrity.

Heather Schwartz, co-director of the American Youth Panel at RAND and co-author of a report on student AI use, discusses research on how students use AI for homework. She covers why many students worry about impacts on critical thinking, how reliance can reduce cognitive practice and future skills, and strategies like protected AI-free time and scaffolding to preserve first-draft thinking.

Anita Ramaswamy, financial analysis columnist at The Information, breaks down big tech business moves. She covers Gecko’s $71M Navy contract and its drones and wall-climbing robots. She explores BuzzFeed’s shaky finances and AI pivot. She examines Amazon’s push for one- and three-hour delivery and what faster shipping means for retailers and consumers.