This Week in Tech

YouTube Just Demonetized Anti-Vax Channels – This Week in Tech – 02/24/2019

YouTube Just Demonetized Anti-Vax Channels

YouTube on Friday said it would prevent channels that promote anti-vax content from running advertising, saying explicitly that such videos fall under its policy prohibiting the monetization of videos with “dangerous and harmful” content. The move comes after advertisers on YouTube pulled their ads from these videos, following inquiries from BuzzFeed News…


Self-Driving Cars Might Kill Auto Insurance as We Know It

Dan Peate, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur in Southern California, was thinking of buying a Tesla Model X a few years ago—until he called his insurance company and found out how much his premiums would rise…


Microsoft Workers Protest $480m HoloLens Military Deal: ‘We Did Not Sign Up to Develop Weapons’

Dozens of Microsoft employees have signed a letter protesting the company’s $480 million contract to supply the U.S. Army with augmented reality headsets intended for use on the battlefield…


Elon Musk Promises a Really Truly Self-Driving Tesla in 2020

Elon Musk is no stranger to bold predictions, and on Tuesday he lobbed another one at self-driving tech doubters: The Tesla CEO said the electric car maker’s full self-driving feature will be completed by the end of 2019. And by the end of 2020, he added, it will be so capable, you’ll be able to snooze in the driver’s seat while it takes you from your parking lot to wherever you’re going…


New Bill Would Stop Internet Service Providers From Screwing You With Hidden Fees

Like the airline and hotel industries, the cable TV and broadband sector has a masterful knack for obnoxious, hidden fees. From fees for simply trying to pay your bill to broadband surcharges based entirely on fluff and nonsense, the industry has spent years advertising one rate, only to hit you with a significantly higher price once your bill actually comes due…


Advertisers Boycott YouTube After Pedophiles Swarm Comments on Videos of Children

SAN FRANCISCO — Nestlé, Epic Games and other major brands said on Wednesday that they had stopped buying advertisements on YouTube after their ads appeared on children’s videos where pedophiles had infiltrated the comment sections…


Nike’s Self-Lacing Sneakers Turn Into Bricks After Faulty Firmware Update

Nike users are experiencing some technical difficulties in the wild world of connected footwear. Nike’s $350 “Adapt BB” sneakers are the latest in the company’s line of self-lacing shoes, and they come with the “Nike Adapt” app for Android and iOS. The app pairs with the shoes and lets you adjust the tightness of the laces, customize the lights (yeah, there are lights), and see, uh, how much battery life your shoes have left. The only problem: Nike’s Android app doesn’t work…