2025-06-21 19:00:00
Revisiting pivotal events in tech, law, and social justice.
- The aftermath of George floyd’s killing influenced legal and political landscapes.
- Section 230 debates were already heated topics years prior.
- Early iPad adoption faced challenges in media adaptation and pricing.
Looking back, the evolution of technology, legal frameworks, and social justice movements reveals how much has changed and how much remains the same; what were some major past moments in technology and social justice?
Five Years Ago: 2020
In 2020, the killing of george Floyd ignited widespread protests that resonated deeply within the legal system. A court cited the incident when denying immunity to officers in a separate case. Together, more schools began terminating contracts with police departments.
The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to disband its police department on June 16, 2020, marking a significant moment in the movement for police reform.
The Push for Police Reform: The events of 2020 spurred widespread discussions and actions aimed at reforming police practices and addressing systemic issues within law enforcement.
That June, Devin Nunes’s lawyer urged a judge to disregard Section 230, while Josh Hawley introduced another proposal targeting Section 230. Critics argued Hawley’s plan would trigger numerous lawsuits. The Department of Justice also released its own recommendations on Section 230.
The Internet Archive closed its National Emergency Library program early, on June 15, 2020, due to a lawsuit from publishers, cutting short a resource intended to provide access to materials during a critical time.
Section 230 Under Scrutiny: The legal shield protecting online platforms was already a hot topic, with various proposals aiming to modify or eliminate it.
Ten Years Ago: 2015
In 2015, News Corp. attempted to leverage the DMCA to defend a Sunday Times story about edward Snowden from scrutiny. Ironically, the reporter behind the story admitted he simply wrote what the UK government instructed him to.
Congress faced challenges in advancing fast-track trade authority, much to the frustration of TPP supporters. Legislative maneuvering became increasingly complex, shifting the debate back to the Senate.
Did you know? In June 2015, the CIA was reportedly still acting like a domestic surveillance agency, despite directives to the contrary.
Reports also surfaced that the CIA was still behaving like a domestic surveillance agency despite instructions or else.
Fifteen Years Ago: 2010
As the iPhone 4 neared its release in June 2010, the widespread adoption of video calling remained uncertain. Despite years of hype, its practical appeal was still in question.
Video Calling’s Long Road: Despite being a futuristic concept for decades, video calling struggled to find mainstream appeal until advancements in technology and network infrastructure caught up.
The iPad was gaining traction, yet attempts to adapt various media formats to the device felt clunky and reminiscent of CD-ROM media. Concerns arose over the pricing of digital comics on the iPad, which were sometimes higher than their print counterparts.
Even in 2010, discussions about “fixing” section 230 were ongoing. Meanwhile, LimeWire, despite facing numerous lawsuits, was sued yet again by the recording industry.
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The intersection of technology adn social justice is a complex and evolving landscape.From the early days of internet access to the current era of social media and artificial intelligence, tech companies have played a significant role–both positive and negative-in shaping social justice movements.
Tech’s impact on social justice isn’t new. Even in 2010, with the rise of the iPad and ongoing debates about Section 230, the influence of technology was already apparent. Today, that role is far more pronounced. What direct actions influence policy and social change?
From the advent of details sharing to data privacy, the power of big tech is clear. The very nature of online platforms and algorithms can amplify voices, mobilize communities, and even influence political outcomes.
- accessibility Over Algorithms: It’s essential that all online platforms be available and accessible to anyone. This includes digital equality, and more.
- Data Privacy is Paramount: Tech companies must protect private information and ensure the ethical use of collected data.
- Curbing the Spread of Harm: Disinformation campaigns, hate speech, and abusive content must be managed without stifling free speech.
Consider the protests of 2020,sparked by the killing of George Floyd. Social media and other digital tools served as vital platforms for organizing protests,disseminating information,and raising awareness. They were used in legal arguments, as well.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. Tech companies also face criticism for their roles in perpetuating misinformation, facilitating hate speech, and potentially enabling surveillance or discrimination through algorithms. Section 230, as we certainly know, provides legal protections, but
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