A recent worldwide crackdown on email scheming resulted in 281 arrests, the seizing of million of dollars, and the shutdown of an organized criminal organization. McDonald’s is making news with their purchase of a voice technology company with hopes of changing the ordering systems around the world. MoviePass officially closed their doors this week after blowing through venture capital funds and creating scandals and unrest with customers. A United States transportation agency is requiring hybrid manufacturers to install car alert sounds to warn pedestrians and the visually impaired. Lastly, Amazon is coming under attack after their modified their algorithm to favor their own goods and products.

A new European association has formed between seven countries focused on providing standardized mobile payment systems for 25 million users. We visited the Space Shuttle Endeavor and other scaled space units that are on display at a science center in Los Angeles and share some thoughts on the adventure. Another Tesla driver was videoed sleeping while his vehicle continued traveling down the road using autopilot, drawing more criticism around autonomous vehicles. Several State attorney generals are moving forward with a robust antitrust investigation against Google.  Finally, John Deere has stepped up the game for lawn care with a very unique and usable application for home improvement enthusiasts.

France’s 3% digital tax has gained exceptional attention over the past few weeks and continues to make headlines as the United States and French officials find a compromise. YouTube creators and YouTube are hitting the negotiating rooms as video publishers are asking for a seat at the table in terms of moderation, monetization, and decision making. Windows has released a patch twenty years after learning of a bug in their operating system that could cause significant damage if exploited. One of the biggest stories in 2019 is the rush for the common end user of technology to purchase their own VPN service and for very good reason.

Vimeo is beginning to solidify their position as a video partner in the industry by providing resources, tools, and software for businesses to create and manage their own video strategy. Starman is back in the news as the driver of the Tesla orbital vehicle has completed its first complete orbit around the sun. The 3% digital tax the French government has levied on big tech is taking effect, yet the sellers and consumers of Amazon are now absorbing those fees. Wearable data and personal fitness trackers are all the craze, but we are learning that physicians and medical professionals are not overly thrilled about data dumping. Amazon Lockers, which most have not heard of, provide a safe and unique method for consumer goods delivery and pickup.

Big news hit this week as we learned that MoviePass deliberately changed user passwords to prevent users from using their subscription service. Surprisingly, railroad crossings are not a standard feature in navigation tools and certain safety agencies are pushing big technology to change that. Samsung announced their future headlining products will not feature a headphone jack, a major trend in the mobile market. Lastly, Google launched a new flight price guarantee program where consumers may request refunds when prices drop below what was originally paid.

Why a 20 year AT&T customer has decided to walk away after several hiccups from the mobile provider. Apple released some additional details about the highly anticipated Apple Card by sending invitations to select and chosen iOS users. Back to school time means only one thing – HP is back offering a range of discounted computers, laptops, and printers. Finally, we share some options on whether the data breaches will ever end in the near future.

We begin by discussing the news of AT&T reporting a loss of nearly one million customers this last quarter and share our opinions one why this is really happening. If you were affected by the Equifax data breach, now is the time to file your claim for payment. By the end of year, the credit reporting firm is set to pay out $380M to customers. A new electric ride sharing service launches in California aimed at helping to reduce air pollution and assist communities with limited transportation options. Lastly, the City of Atlanta has banned the further issuance of e-scooter permits after two individuals died over a four week span.

This weekend we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the first steps on the moon. British Airways was dealt the heaviest fine in GDPR regulation history which shows European agencies are making a statement of their seriousness. The French government passed a new 3% digital tax on internet companies that many U.S entities are calling unfair, untimely, and unjustified. The inventor of the computer password, Fernando Corbato, has passed at the age of 93 and his influence on the industry cannot be undervalued.  And of course, we touch on the FaceApp craze and debacle that ensued over the last week.

We are talking about using technology for good and technology in the non-profit sector. Fay shares her experience in the industry and shares her valuable insights into the role social media plays into organizational agendas, how risk is being taken, and whether experimentation is embraced by others in the field. Challenges facing non-profits include incorporating online transacting for fundraising and diversifying communications methods for members. As an experienced social media strategist, Fay has learned over the years how to mobilize supporters, raise money, and move the media, the public, and decision makers to help nonprofits achieve real and lasting change.