Facebook's secure messaging app WhatsApp announced Monday that it would cap the number of people a user could forward a message to at 5 in an attempt to prevent false stories from spreading too quickly.
Why it matters: U.S. WhatsApp users are probably most familiar with false allegations inflaming the political climate. That's bad, but nothing near as bad as what's happened in India, where rumors have lead to lynchings.
Netflix is in advanced talks to join the Motion Picture Association of America, the group that has long advocated for the biggest Hollywood movies studios, according to 2 sources familiar with the matter. The talks were first reported by Politico Pro.
Why it matters: Netflix is signaling a move away from its tech roots as it builds its content library. It's also a major shift in the Washington influence battles, as the company looks to join traditional movie studios and leaves the Internet Association, which has long represented tech companies.
Netflix’s “Roma” scored 10 Oscar nominations Tuesday, including its director and cinematographer Alfonso Cuarón snagging best picture, director and cinematographer nods.
Why it matters: If "Roma” were to win best picture, it would become the first foreign language film to ever win in the category, as well as a huge win for Netflix.
The roughly $57 million fine French regulators leveled on Google Monday is the first real test of how aggressively Europe's sweeping privacy rules will force change at U.S.-based tech giants.
Why it matters: The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has sparked an urgent effort to pass a national online privacy law in Washington. And state lawmakers are attempting to create their own regulations, too.
A data-privacy agency for France said Google was in violation of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation and will be fined nearly $57 million, the Washington Post reports.
Details: The agency said Google failed to fully disclose to users how their data is collected and what happens to it. In addition, the agency said Google made it too difficult for users to understand and manage preferences on how their personal information is used, especially in regards to personalized ads. Both are in violation of GDPR.
