Post Tech - Cecilia Kang deciphers the 1s and 0s of tech policy.

Posted at 08:23 AM ET, 05/31/2011

The Circuit: Merger public comments deadline, Intel Ultrabooks, PBS hit by hackers

By Hayley Tsukayama

Merger public comments deadline, Intel Ultrabooks, PBS hit by hackers

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:23 AM ET, 05/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: at&t, t-mobile, security, privacy, Microsoft, Skype

Posted at 05:12 PM ET, 05/27/2011

Sony, Epsilon to testify during breach hearing

By Hayley Tsukayama

Sony and Epsilon reps will speak before a House committee after declining earlier invitations.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 05:12 PM ET, 05/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy

Posted at 08:31 AM ET, 05/27/2011

The Circuit: Obama taps Twitter CEO, Bloomberg challenges Comcast, PayPal sues Google

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Circuit: Obama taps Twitter CEO, Bloomberg challenges Comcast, PayPal sues Google.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:31 AM ET, 05/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Microsoft, Skype, IP, Comcast, AT&T, T-Mobile, Google, Comcast, Broadband, FCC, Twitter, Facebook

Posted at 11:42 PM ET, 05/26/2011

Twitter CEO named to presidential advisory panel

By Cecilia Kang

Twitter CEO Dick Costolo is the latest

By Cecilia Kang | 11:42 PM ET, 05/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:49 PM ET, 05/26/2011

Lawmakers grill AT&T, T-Mobile as skepticism builds

By Cecilia Kang

Skepticism builds over proposed $39 billion mega-merger that critics say will lead to higher prices for consumers

By Cecilia Kang | 09:49 PM ET, 05/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:28 AM ET, 05/26/2011

The Circuit: Merger hearing; Google contactless payments; Facebook CEO talks privacy, music

By Hayley Tsukayama

AT&T and Deustche Telekom AG CEOs to testify on competition; Google launching “Google Wallet”; Zuckerberg clarifies comments on Facebook users under 13.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:28 AM ET, 05/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy, Apple, Google, Twitter, International, Kids Online, Facebook, FCC, AT&T, T-Mobile

Posted at 04:14 PM ET, 05/25/2011

Al Franken asks Apple, Google to require app privacy policies

By Hayley Tsukayama

Franken said requiring app privacy policies for location-based apps is a “simple first step.”

By Hayley Tsukayama | 04:14 PM ET, 05/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy, Apple, Google

Posted at 08:17 AM ET, 05/25/2011

The Circuit: Zynga IPO, Conyers to address merger concerns, E.U. cookie rules take effect

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Circuit: Zynga IPO, Rep. Conyers to address merger concerns, E.U. cookie rules take effect.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:17 AM ET, 05/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy, AT&T, T-Mobile, International

Posted at 03:37 PM ET, 05/24/2011

Senators question AT&T about overbilling

By Cecilia Kang

Senate lawmakers said Tuesday that they sent a letter to AT&T asking for more information about a lawsuit alleging the wireless giant systematically overcharged smart phone customers.

By Cecilia Kang | 03:37 PM ET, 05/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:57 AM ET, 05/24/2011

The Circuit: World leaders talk with tech leaders, Walden blasts FCC report, privacy bill of rights

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Circuit: World leaders talk with tech leaders, Walden blasts FCC report, privacy bill of rights.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:57 AM ET, 05/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Security, Privacy, IP, FCC, AT&T, T-Mobile, Leap Wireless, International, Facebook, Google, Amazon

Posted at 12:01 AM ET, 05/24/2011

Leap Wireless opposes AT&T bid to buy T-Mobile

By Cecilia Kang

Leap Wireless said Tuesday that it opposes AT&T’s $39 billion bid for T-Mobile, saying the merger would harm consumers because it would reduce competition and put too much power into the hands of just two wireless carriers.

By Cecilia Kang | 12:01 AM ET, 05/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:32 AM ET, 05/23/2011

The Circuit: Sony expects loss, autocratic regimes on the Web, Senate to examine cybersecurity plan

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Circuit: Sony expects loss, autocratic regimes fight dissenters on the Web, Senate to examine White House cybersecurity plan.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:32 AM ET, 05/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Google, Twitter, Facebook, FCC, Apple, Microsoft

Posted at 08:39 PM ET, 05/20/2011

House oversight chair questions FCC Baker’s move to Comcast

By Cecilia Kang

By Cecilia Kang | 08:39 PM ET, 05/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:37 PM ET, 05/20/2011

Zuckerberg: Kids under 13 should be able to use Facebook

By Hayley Tsukayama

At education summit, Facebook founder says social networking could be a kids’ tool, too.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 05:37 PM ET, 05/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy, Social media

Posted at 04:54 PM ET, 05/20/2011

Reel Grrls turns down Comcast funds, cites free expression

By Cecilia Kang

Reel Grrls, the Seattle nonprofit that nearly lost its summer camp funding from Comcast because of an unflattering tweet, has decided not to accept money from the cable giant.

By Cecilia Kang | 04:54 PM ET, 05/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:48 AM ET, 05/20/2011

The Circuit: Facebook IPO ‘inevitable,’ USA Today pans AT&T/T-Mobile, Comcast restores money after critical tweet

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Circuit: Facebook COO says IPO “inevitable,” USA Today pans AT&T/T-Mobile deal, Senate addresses kids’ privacy

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:48 AM ET, 05/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Facebook, LinkedIn, AT&T, T-Mobile, FCC, FTC, Apple, Google, Verizon, Wireless

Posted at 02:27 PM ET, 05/19/2011

Comcast yanks funds for nonprofit after tweet about FCC Baker’s jump

By Cecilia Kang

The nonprofit Reel Grrls recently lost $18,000 in funding from Comcast for a teen film camp after it sent a tweet about FCC Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker’s jump to the company.

By Cecilia Kang | 02:27 PM ET, 05/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:48 AM ET, 05/19/2011

Commerce privacy hearing to focus on kids, apps

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Senate Commerce Consumer Protection subcommittee will focus on kids’ privacy in a Thursday hearing on consumer protection in the mobile market.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 09:48 AM ET, 05/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:22 AM ET, 05/19/2011

The Circuit: Privacy hearing, Apple and EMI, Eric Schmidt vs. MPAA

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Senate Commerce Consumer Protection subcommittee will address the issue of mobile privacy Thursday morning. And other tech news.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:22 AM ET, 05/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Google, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, Privacy, IP, LinkedIn

Posted at 06:25 PM ET, 05/18/2011

Sen. Rockefeller probes Google, Apple on child privacy over mobile devices

By Cecilia Kang

Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) asked Google and Apple whether their mobile applications and those of third parties partners are complying with child Internet privacy laws.

By Cecilia Kang | 06:25 PM ET, 05/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:43 AM ET, 05/18/2011

The Circuit: Dell and HP; Facebook, Twitter, Google oppose Calif. law; lawmakers demand more from Sony

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Circuit: Dell and HP; Facebook, Twitter, Google oppose Calif. law; lawmakers demand more from Sony

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:43 AM ET, 05/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Tablets, Privacy, Security, Google, Facebook, Skype, Microsoft, Mobile

Posted at 07:52 AM ET, 05/18/2011

Web giants fight California privacy bill

By Cecilia Kang

Facebook, Google, Twitter and Skype are opposing an online social networking privacy bill in California that would require users’ permission to display personal information.

By Cecilia Kang | 07:52 AM ET, 05/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:10 PM ET, 05/17/2011

FCC names head of AT&T, T-Mobile merger review

By Cecilia Kang

The Federal Communications Commission named Renata Hesse, a Washington antitrust attorney, to oversee its review of AT&T’s proposal to buy T-Mobile for $39 billion.

By Cecilia Kang | 05:10 PM ET, 05/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 05/17/2011

FCC to hold consumer forum on mobile location services

By Cecilia Kang

The Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday it will hold a forum for consumers on mobile location services amid growing concern about security and privacy for users.

By Cecilia Kang | 05:00 PM ET, 05/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:41 PM ET, 05/17/2011

Patrick Leahy introduces update to electronic privacy law

By Hayley Tsukayama

The senator from Vermont introduced an update to the 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which he authored.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 02:41 PM ET, 05/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 05/17/2011

Verizon sues FCC on data-roaming rule

By Cecilia Kang

Verizon Wireless sued the Federal Communications Commission to overturn a recent data-roaming rule, saying the agency overstepped its jurisdiction with the order.

By Cecilia Kang | 11:32 AM ET, 05/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:59 AM ET, 05/17/2011

The Circuit: LinkedIn IPO jumps to $4 billion, Dems push for public safety network, Commerce launches bilingual initiative

By Hayley Tsukayama

Following intense investor interest, LinkedIn’s initial public offering is now expected to be valued at about $4 billion.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:59 AM ET, 05/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: LinkedIn, Spectrum, Broadband, FTC, Facebook

Posted at 07:53 AM ET, 05/17/2011

Netflix biggest driver of U.S. Internet traffic, puts spotlight on broadband pricing

By Cecilia Kang

Netflixstreaming videos drive nearly 30 percent of all North American broadband Internet traffic during peak hours, according to broadband analytics company Sandvine.

By Cecilia Kang | 07:53 AM ET, 05/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:56 PM ET, 05/16/2011

Facebook, Apple, Google to speak at Senate commerce committee hearing on mobile privacy

By Hayley Tsukayama

Representatives from Google, Apple and Facebook will testify at a hearing this week.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 04:56 PM ET, 05/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Apple, Google, Privacy, Mobile

Posted at 01:49 PM ET, 05/16/2011

Q&A with Dish’s new CEO Joseph Clayton

By Cecilia Kang

Dish Network’s new chief executive, Joseph Clayton, comes to the satellite television provider amid great change.

By Cecilia Kang | 01:49 PM ET, 05/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:27 AM ET, 05/16/2011

The Circuit: Amazon services used in Sony attack, FCC addresses cybersecurity, Dish names new head

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Circuit: Amazon services used in Sony attack, FCC addresses cybersecurity, Dish names new CEO and president

By Hayley Tsukayama | 09:27 AM ET, 05/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Amazon, Security, Privacy, Dish, Broadband, International, Tablets

Posted at 05:26 PM ET, 05/13/2011

Lawmakers propose Internet privacy bill for youth

By Cecilia Kang

Lawmakers on Friday introduced a bill to limit the collection of personal information about minors who go online from desktop computers or through smart phones.

By Cecilia Kang | 05:26 PM ET, 05/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:17 PM ET, 05/13/2011

AT&T takes its merger show on the road

By Cecilia Kang

AT&T and T-Mobile are heading to Silicon Valley to try to convince Internet firms that supporting their $39 billion deal would be good for the Web.

By Cecilia Kang | 03:17 PM ET, 05/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 05/13/2011

FCC’s Meredith Baker goes on the defensive

By Cecilia Kang

The Federal Communications commissioner her decision to join Comcast NBC Universal just months after voting in favor of the company’s joint venture.

By Cecilia Kang | 11:58 AM ET, 05/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:18 AM ET, 05/13/2011

The Circuit: Google under federal investigation, Commerce digital literacy, cybersecurity and IP

By Hayley Tsukayama

Google is being investigated over its ad practices regarding online pharmacies; Commerce wants to build digital literacy; The long-awaited White House cybersecurity plan.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:18 AM ET, 05/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:02 PM ET, 05/12/2011

Apple says policy dictates no iAds in kids’ apps

By Hayley Tsukayama

An app developer grumbled that Apple has changed its policy on iAds for kids, but the company says it’s the status quo.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 03:02 PM ET, 05/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Apple, Mobile, Privacy

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 05/12/2011

FTC: Internet gaming co. pays $3M settlement for kids privacy breach

By Cecilia Kang

The operator of Internet games My Diva Dolls and Pony Stars will pay $3 million to settle an FTC complaint for violating online privacy laws for children.

By Cecilia Kang | 12:54 PM ET, 05/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 05/12/2011

FCC commissioner Meredith Baker to join Comcast-NBC

By Hayley Tsukayama

Meredith Baker will join Comcast-NBC Universal as its senior vice president of governmental affairs in June.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 11:45 AM ET, 05/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:41 AM ET, 05/12/2011

The Circuit: Facebook v. Google v. the Swiss, kids’ privacy

By Hayley Tsukayama

Facebook behind anti-Google campaign; Google to challenge Swiss ruling; kids’ online privacy.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:41 AM ET, 05/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:26 PM ET, 05/11/2011

AT&T, T-Mobile chiefs grilled on merger plan

By Cecilia Kang

CEOs from both firms were questioned as to whether the deal would lead to less competition and higher prices for consumers.

By Cecilia Kang | 01:26 PM ET, 05/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:39 AM ET, 05/11/2011

AT&T/T-Mobile merger goes before Senate Judiciary panel

By Cecilia Kang

We begin live-tweeting today’s hearing of the Senate Judiciary committee at 10:15 a.m.

By Cecilia Kang | 09:39 AM ET, 05/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:49 AM ET, 05/11/2011

The Circuit: Merger hearing, Groupon Now, Google profits

By Hayley Tsukayama

The Circuit: Merger hearing, Groupon Now, Google profits

By Hayley Tsukayama | 08:49 AM ET, 05/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Groupon, Google, Facebook

Posted at 03:09 PM ET, 05/10/2011

Apple, Google pressed for answers at privacy hearing

By Hayley Tsukayama

At a Senate panel hearing on mobile privacy Tuesday, Apple and Google reps faced tough scrutiny.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 03:09 PM ET, 05/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 05/10/2011

Video: Analyst Carl Howe breaks down the Skype, Microsoft deal

By Cecilia Kang

Analyst Carl Howe of the Yankee Group, a Boston-based tech analysis firm, agreed to sit down with Washington Post reporter Cecilia Kang to discuss the Microsoft acquisition of Skype and what it means for both companies.

By Cecilia Kang | 02:29 PM ET, 05/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Microsoft, Skype

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 05/10/2011

Microsoft buys Skype for $8.5 billion

By Cecilia Kang

The companies said Skype will support Microsoft devices such as the Xbox, Kinect and Windows Phone.

By Cecilia Kang | 01:18 PM ET, 05/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Microsoft, Skype

Posted at 10:08 AM ET, 05/10/2011

Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer to discuss Skype acquisition

By Cecilia Kang

Cecilia Kang live tweets the Microsoft CEO’s conference call with reporters.

By Cecilia Kang | 10:08 AM ET, 05/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:13 AM ET, 05/10/2011

Q&A: Sen. Al Franken on mobile privacy

By Hayley Tsukayama

By Hayley Tsukayama | 09:13 AM ET, 05/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy

Posted at 04:23 PM ET, 05/09/2011

Sen. Rockefeller introduces ‘do not track’ bill for Internet

By Cecilia Kang

Sen. John D. Rockefeller’s bill would allow consumers to block Internet companies from following their activity on the Web.

By Cecilia Kang | 04:23 PM ET, 05/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:22 AM ET, 05/09/2011

With quick click, teens part with online privacy

By Cecilia Kang

Adolescents may give away reams of information, often without a thought.

By Cecilia Kang | 10:22 AM ET, 05/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy

Posted at 04:05 PM ET, 05/06/2011

Lawmakers pursue ‘do not track’ privacy bills for the Web

By Cecilia Kang

Privacy bills would allow consumers to block companies from following their activity on the Internet.

By Cecilia Kang | 04:05 PM ET, 05/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:50 AM ET, 05/06/2011

Apple software chief to testify at Senate privacy hearing

By Hayley Tsukayama

Apple will send its software head, Guy “Bud” Tribble to answer questions about the company’s data collection practices at a Senate hearing on mobile privacy.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 11:50 AM ET, 05/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:45 AM ET, 05/06/2011

Sen. Rockefeller to introduce ‘Do Not Track’ bill

By Cecilia Kang

Sen. John Rockefeller on Friday said he will introduce a “do not track” bill that would allow consumers to block Web sites and marketers from tracking their Internet activity.

By Cecilia Kang | 10:45 AM ET, 05/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:34 PM ET, 05/05/2011

AT&T, T-Mobile hearing draws all-CEO lineup

By Cecilia Kang

Next Wednesday the titans of telecom will appear before Senate lawmakers to argue for and against AT&T’s $39 billion bid to buy T-Mobile.

By Cecilia Kang | 06:34 PM ET, 05/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: AT&T, Consumers, T-Mobile

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 05/05/2011

N.Y. attorney general subpoenas Sony

By Hayley Tsukayama

State attorney general Eric Schneiderman wants more information from Sony on how it protects customer data.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 05:00 PM ET, 05/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Security

Posted at 11:05 AM ET, 05/05/2011

Former Obama tech adviser, Google exec goes to Stanford

By Cecilia Kang

Andrew McLaughlin, the nation’s recently departed deputy chief technology officer, will join Stanford University as a researcher and law professor.

By Cecilia Kang | 11:05 AM ET, 05/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:02 PM ET, 05/04/2011

Apple releases iOS 4.3.3, fixes location bug

By Hayley Tsukayama

Apple released an iOS update today that changes a file that stored location data.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 03:02 PM ET, 05/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Apple, Mobile, Security

Posted at 02:25 PM ET, 05/04/2011

House data breach hearing blasts Sony; legislation planned

By Hayley Tsukayama

House members had harsh words for Sony and Epsilon

By Hayley Tsukayama | 02:25 PM ET, 05/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Privacy, FTC

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 05/03/2011

Sprint goes to states to fight AT&T merger with T-Mobile

By Cecilia Kang

Sprint Nextel is taking its battle against AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile to the states, starting with a request to the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

By Cecilia Kang | 02:35 PM ET, 05/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 05/03/2011

Sony reports 2nd security breach by hackers

By Hayley Tsukayama

Hackers may have stolen personal information about 24.6 million users, Sony says.

By Hayley Tsukayama | 11:24 AM ET, 05/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 05/03/2011

Consumers give FCC an earful on AT&T bid to buy T-Mobile

By Cecilia Kang

The FCC has received nearly 3,000 comments on AT&T’s bid to buy T-Mobile — mostly from consumers asking the agency to reject the deal.

By Cecilia Kang | 09:30 AM ET, 05/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:41 AM ET, 05/02/2011

Dish settles with TiVo, removes barrier to digital streaming goals

By Cecilia Kang

Dish Network and EchoStar reached a $500 million settlement with TiVo over a patent lawsuit on digital recording technology, the companies announced Monday.

By Cecilia Kang | 08:41 AM ET, 05/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Post Tech: May, 2011