Open MIC joined a coalition of 17 civil rights, tech policy and privacy organizations in signing a letter of concern about racial bias in "predictive policing" technology. The letter, which accompanied the release of a report by Upturn about the civil rights implications of policing technology, emphasizes the disturbing lack of transparency among both law enforcement and the increasing number of companies who profit from "predictive policing" technology.
Big Data & Civil Rights
Encryption
Shareholders reach agreement with companies commit to disclose diversity data and goals
20 Organizations Call for Political Parties to Broaden Tech and Internet Policy Discussions
As both the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee’s platform committees hold meetings in Washington, D.C. this week, Open MIC joined 19 other public interest organizations in a letter to both parties asking that they include public-interest and affected community groups in discussions on internet access, the open internet, and online privacy. The full letter can be found here.
Investors Applaud Google's Ban of Payday Loan Ads
Today Google announced it will ban ads for payday loans and other predatory lending products. Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans that create and perpetuate cycles of debt among low income communities. With its new policy, Google is taking a big step to curtail the harmful impact of predatory lending schemes on its users. Low income people — the primary targets of economically exploitative ploys both online and off — stand to benefit most from the policy change.
22 Public Interest Groups Urge the FCC to Block the Charter-Time Warner Cable Merger
WASHINGTON — Twenty-two public interest organizations have sent a letter urging the Federal Communications Commission to deny Charter’s bid to take over Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. Late last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler may be planning to circulate a draft order approving the $90 billion merger.
Apple Investor Presses for Diversity Among Senior Management and Directors
Apple Inc. investors are being asked to approve a shareholder proposal which would require the company to adopt an “accelerated recruitment policy” to increase racial and ethnic diversity among senior executives and its board.
First-ever shareholder resolution addressing racial diversity in Silicon Valley workforce
Investors Want AT&T to Clarify Policies on Surveillance Requests
Advocacy Groups File Petition to Deny Proposed Charter, Time Warner Cable Merger
Collapse of Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger Highlights Need for Competition, Investors Say
Comcast Corp. has called off its proposed merger with Time Warner Cable following careful scrutiny – and likely rejection - of the deal by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission.
Investors Urge FCC to Adopt Net Neutrality Rules, Reclassify Broadband Internet Under Title II
A group of investment firms and foundations with widely-diversified investment portfolios today called upon the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt network neutrality rules that would protect an open Internet. They recommended reclassification of broadband Internet service under Title II of the Communications Act, giving the FCC clear regulatory authority over the Internet network infrastructure that serves millions of individuals, entrepreneurs and established businesses throughout the U.S.
Shareholders Press American Express for Transparency on Privacy and Data Security
American Express shareholders expressed strong support for a consumer privacy proposal filed by sustainable wealth manager, Arjuna Capital in collaboration with open media advocate Open MIC. The proposal was supported by over 21% of shareholders at the company’s annual meeting held Monday in New York, representing a high historic vote on a social issue.
Open Internet Proposal at Verizon Wins $30.6 Billion of Shareholder Vote
A shareholder proposal calling on Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) to report on business risks arising from the company’s opposition to open Internet and network neutrality principles has gained important new support from investors, winning 26.4% of the vote at Verizon’s annual meeting on May 1.
Investors Withdraw Verizon Shareholder Proposal on Government Surveillance Programs
A coalition of investors, which had requested that Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) publish regular reports on government and law enforcement requests for confidential customer data, today commended the company for publishing its first report and made recommendations for improving future reports.
Verizon Agrees to Publish Reports on Government Requests for Data
In a victory for shareholders concerned about the role of telecommunications companies in government surveillance programs, Verizon Communications announced that it will begin to publish regular reports on the number of government requests it receives for customer data.
Investment Firms Say Corporate Role in Government Surveillance Programs Raises ‘Serious Concern’
Citing the potential of “unprecedented and dangerous threats to the privacy of hundreds of millions of people” from government surveillance programs, a group of leading sustainable investment firms has called upon publicly-held U.S. companies to demonstrate leadership by adopting “a pro-active, principled approach to protecting the privacy and rights of their users.”
