DuckDuckGo’s Post

16 U.S. States Still Ban Community-Owned Broadband Networks Because AT&T and Comcast Told Them To Currently sixteen states have laws — usually ghost written by regional telecom monopolies — restrict or outright ban community broadband. Some of these laws are outright bans on community broadband, basically letting Comcast or AT&T veto your local infrastructure voting rights. Others erect elaborate, cumbersome restrictions on the financing and expansion of such networks and pretend that’s not a ban. #internet #isp #connectivity #boardband #AT&T #comcast #technology #tech

"Revolutionize the Way We Vote! Imagine a world where every citizen with a bank account can cast their vote effortlessly through their mobile phones or ATMs. To ensure maximum participation, accounts could be temporarily locked if votes aren't cast by the end of the day. For those without bank accounts, physical voting options at post offices or other designated centers could remain available. This innovative approach would not only increase voter turnout but also make the voting process more convenient, efficient, and inclusive. It's time to make a change for the better

This recent article from The National claims that polling centers are facing increased pressure and scrutiny to improve their accuracy with the upcoming US presidential election. The article posits that advances in technology, particularly smartphones, have complicated polling methods and contributed to increasing inaccuracies, at the same time that public skepticism and paranoia regarding poll results has also risen. As a survey researcher, I agree that polling methods have become much more complicated since the days when most Americans were easily reachable over a landline phone. Nowadays, to ensure not just large enough sample sizes, but also that we are reaching all demographic groups, we at the Marist Poll now text cell phones and incorporate completes from aggregated online research panels, in addition to still calling landlines. However, I do not necessarily believe that survey modes are what is causing the perceived inaccuracies in polling, especially when it comes to election polling. Unlike other polls, election polls do not just aim to measure where general public opinions fall on given topics; it also has the burden of needing to predict who will actually show up to vote, i.e. the likely voters. I believe many of the either "incorrectly" called races or wider-than-expected result ranges had more to do with likely voter models and other weighting schemes applied to these datasets than with the survey methods themselves. The true value of polling relies, not necessary on its ability to predict how people will always behave, but on providing a snapshot of opinions at that time. When many of the polls being scrutinized are conducted weeks if not months before the elections, the likely voters modeled in those polls may not be the same ones at the voting booths once the election rolls around. Also, regarding the polling issues in 2016 in which many polls (including our own) did not have Trump winning, this did not mean the polls were inaccurate. Our final national survey of the election had Hillary Clinton winning by about 2%. Hillary Clinton did in fact win the national vote by about 2%. What the narrative after 2016 seemed to leave out is the role of the electoral college system. Trump won the electoral college, not the national popular vote, which is, in part, what lead to a lot of the confusion and mistrust in polls. To counteract this, the team at Marist has put a heavier focus on polling swing states, as well as still conducting national surveys, and have tried to do a better job communicating what margins of error are and the predictive value and limitations of polling. That said, if done correctly, election polling can still provide accurate and reliable results, as proven with our 2022 midterm track record of calling 15 senate and governor races correctly, largely within the polls’ margins of error. https://lnkd.in/eBdrDcKW

Speed up your voting experience by marking your votes on your smartphone before you leave the house! Then, instantly transfer your votes at the Vote Center. This step is optional, and no identifiable information is stored. Learn more at LAVOTE.GOV/ISB and find a Vote Center near you, and make your voice heard. #VoteForIt

Cell phone data, mobile apps and paid media: DNC touts voter-targeting plans. The Democratic National Committee is making new tech investments to bolster its efforts to reach young voters and voters of color in an increasingly fragmented environment, according to a new memo laying out the party’s strategies in the months leading up to the general election. Bolstered by the over $192 million dollars Democrats have amassed in the first quarter of this year, Democrats have doled out millions to acquire data and new technology to specifically target voters in... https://lnkd.in/dugUghMP

A selection of online safety news and articles that caught our attention this week: US Supreme Court will not halt Texas age verification for online porn The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Tuesday to block a Texas law requiring online age verification in order to access pornographic websites in a case pitting the Republican-led state's effort to keep adult content away from minors against constitutional free speech protections. https://lnkd.in/ewXSxwVP ——— Smartphones ban may cause more harm than good, says Molly Russell’s father Ian Russell says parental controls could weaken trust and ‘punish children for tech firms’ failures’ https://lnkd.in/enuh4_Sy ——— ICO and Ofcom publish joint statement about collaboration on the regulation of online services where online safety and data protection intersect The statement sets out how the ICO and Ofcom will work together on areas of mutual interest to achieve a coherent approach to regulation. It builds on a joint statement published in November 2022 that envisioned working together more closely to achieve greater alignment. https://lnkd.in/gzsiXmKy #saferinternet #onlinesafety #onlineharms #ageassurance #ageverification #ageestimation #technews #texas #ICO #ofcom

Explore the intricate process of developing a matrimonial script that powers love stories around the world. From understanding user needs to implementing advanced matching algorithms and prioritizing security, this article unveils the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating successful matchmaking platforms https://lnkd.in/gd9AnmfE

### My Voting Day Experience: A Tale of Administrative Failures and Suggestions for Improvement On May 25th, I, Gaurav Garg, set out to vote at booth number 101 in Gurgaon. The day quickly turned into a frustrating experience, revealing significant administrative shortcomings. #### The Journey Begins My troubles started with the Voter Help App, which displayed the wrong voting center. With no clear road markings, finding the center was challenging and required asking locals for directions. #### At the Polling Center Upon arrival, I was informed that mobile phones were not allowed inside, but there were no signs indicating this rule. Inside, the untrained staff were clueless about the voting procedures and the use of the Voter Help App. The temperature was a scorching 46 degrees Celsius, and there were no provisions for drinking water or shade. #### The Voting Experience The confusion continued inside the booth. Staff were unaware of how to access serial numbers from the app, making the process unnecessarily complicated. #### Reflections on the Process The low voter turnout often lamented by the Election Commission seems more due to administrative failures than voter apathy. Here are my suggestions for improvement: 1. **Clear Road Markings:** Signage leading to polling centers. 2. **SMS Notifications:** Sending serial numbers and booth details via SMS. 3. **Mobile Phone Policy:** Clearly communicate restrictions. 4. **Basic Amenities:** Provide water and shade at polling centers. 5. **Trained Staff:** Ensure staff are well-trained in voting procedures. *Conclusion* My voting day experience was a stark reminder of the administrative challenges that plague our electoral process. By addressing these issues, we can create a more efficient, voter-friendly environment that encourages greater participation in our democracy. It's not just about urging people to vote but making the process accessible and straightforward for everyone. Voting is a fundamental right, and every effort should be made to ensure that it is as seamless and accessible as possible. Only then can we hope to see a significant improvement in voter turnout and the overall health of our democratic process. Gaurav Garg Election Commission of India

The increase in children's screen time is really concerning. As adults it’s so important that we initiate and maintain open conversations about how and when our children use their devices. Not easy, but there are many ways to do so. Making it a prioritized habit to discuss and establish family rules around screen time can help create a balanced and healthy relationship with technology. There also has to be tough discussions held about both the positives and the challenges that come with owning a phone. If we want to reverse this trend, we need to empower our children to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely. As a telecom company we know that we have an important role in ensuring the safety of our children online. For those who are looking to have these important conversations, we have some really good guidelines through our initiative Nätprat that can be found here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dK-iSDb7 https://lnkd.in/d-uKzB7D

The recent Supreme Court ruling in the NetChoice cases has far-reaching implications for the tech industry and beyond. While it may have flown under the radar, this decision is set to impact various legislation and lawsuits, including those related to online safety, free speech, and age verification. As the dust settles, it's clear that this ruling will shape the future of tech policy and regulation. Stay ahead of the curve and let's dive into the key takeaways! #TechPolicy #SupremeCourt #NetChoice #Regulation #FreeSpeech https://lnkd.in/egFqJr2n