In The News

Struggling to Squelch an Internet Rumor

Samuel G. Freedman March 5, 2008
The internet has revolutionized the way information is passed, making mass communication possible with the click of a mouse. And yet, such power left unchecked can ease the spread of misinformation. Samuel Freedman, Columbia University journalism professor, cites an example at the University of Kentucky, in which confusion over an e-mail suffix from the UK, led to thousands of e-mails forwarding...

Pakistan Cuts Access to YouTube Worldwide

Brad Stone February 26, 2008
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, troubled by a YouTube video that criticized Islam, took steps to shut down the popular video website in Pakistan. The authority created a dummy site, leading viewers who expected YouTube to a blank site. Such tactics are not unusual in countries that practice censorship, but Pakistan announced its substitution site to a telecommunications partner based in...

Satellite Spotters Glimpse Secrets, and Tell Them

John Schwartz February 12, 2008
Throughout the world, knowledge about satellite activities and orbits is remarkably limited. Yet, as John E. Pike of the space and military watchdog group GlobalSecurity.org notes, the internet has spawned an “important demystification” as to information about satellites. Using websites to upload photos and find other hobbyists has helped a small contingent of “spotters” worldwide to connect,...

Japan Toughens Up on Internet Regulation

Chris Salzberg February 7, 2008
Creating and criticizing are part of a lively internet culture. Unfortunately, the internet is also used to promote fraud, copyright violation or other crimes. The Japanese government is moving toward more active monitoring and control of the internet within its borders. “Motivated by lofty goals — upholding the common good, preserving safety and security, compensating creativity – attempts to...

“Ancient” Forgeries Fool Art Markets

Matthias Schulz January 24, 2008
As the world accumulates more wealth, eager investors pay exorbitant fees for art. To help supply meet frenzied demand, art forgery is also on the rise. Even established collectors, including governments and museums, get fooled, reports Matthias Schulz for Spiegel Online. Globalization and advances in technology – with new chemicals; access to antiquated stone, paper or even tools; and elaborate...

Snap-On Parts Didn’t Click Together for Boeing Jet

Jeff Bailey January 17, 2008
Manufacturing electronic products by assembling specialized parts from multiple suppliers has increased productivity and reduced costs in recent years. But the assembly method that relies on outsourcing for parts can be complicated to reverse. Behind schedule and hoping to speed its process, Boeing asked suppliers to send unassembled sections. “Instead, Boeing has ended up with a pile of parts...

The Ink Fades on a Profession as India Modernizes

Anand Giridharadas January 7, 2008
As the conduit connecting service providers and consumers grows transparent, middlemen lose jobs. Illiteracy once guaranteed business for letter writers, but a growing economy that provides the resources for education, and affordable cell phone services has left letter writers jobless. This development appears to harm middlemen, but the jobs that technological advances generate more than...