New America

A Tale of Two Internets

Listen to the ongoing conversations on net neutrality, and you’ll notice that the United States, like other liberal-democratic countries, believes that, in the lexicon of policymakers, a freeopeninteroperablesecure, and resilient internet can be a torchbearer for an open society—and democracy more broadly.

The Perilous Future of Internet Access for Students of Color

As teachers increasingly integrate internet-based programs into both lesson plans and homework, the internet has become an essential tool for students. With such vast amounts of information available online—articles, videos, other imaginative mediums—children are able to do homework and develop interests not only with the help of, but also because of an internet connection. But while that tool can—and does—bring so much opportunity to students whose families can afford it, millions of American families are unable to buy internet at home.

The Santa Clara Principles on Transparency and Accountability in Content Moderation

The Santa Clara Principles offer guidance to internet platforms on how to provide users with meaningful due process when their posts are taken down or their accounts are suspended, and to help ensure that the enforcement of company content guidelines is fair, unbiased, and respectful of users’ free expression rights. The three principles urge companies to:

  • Publish the numbers of posts removed and accounts permanently or temporarily suspended due to violations of their content guidelines;

TV Royalty: How Patents Could Help Sinclair Rule the Broadcasting Market

The broadcasting market is on the brink of a major shakeup, and Sinclair is already positioned as a primary beneficiary. The new technology driving these fundamental shifts is known as Next Generation TV, a new transmission standard that promises many new features including ultra-high definition, immersive audio, and enhanced emergency alerts. The new transmission standard serves as an important step forward for the broadcasting industry, allowing it to keep pace with online streaming and over-the-top services.

A Mid-Band Spectrum Compromise For Rural Broadband: Wins All Around

There are two general approaches to expanding access to high-speed broadband in small towns and rural areas: with wires (fiber) and without (fixed wireless). Because trenching fiber is very costly in low-density areas, there is a growing recognition that “wireless fiber”–otherwise known as fixed wireless access–can provide broadband at high capacity (100/10 Mbps or better) at a fraction of the cost and also far more quickly.

The Promises—and Pitfalls—of Content Regulation in the Digital Age

David Kaye, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, issued a call for comments on content regulation in the digital age. The call aimed to collect information from states, companies, and civil society organizations on content regulation processes, including relevant legislative measures, internal and external policies, and the challenges and successes of these procedures.

“Smart” TVs Aren't So Smart About Your Privacy

As everyday consumer appliances and devices like televisions are increasingly connected to the internet, concerns about privacy and security are mounting.