Social media networks now face a fine of over $50 million in Germany if reported hate speech is not taken down within 24 hours, or seven days in complicated cases. Phillip Tracy, Tech Writer at The Daily Dot, joins Cheddar to discuss the new laws.
The Network Enforcement Act went into effect in October, but social media networks were given a grace period until January 1st. Facebook has reportedly already hired a team of people in Germany to deal with content deemed as hate speech. The law was met with much criticism over freedom of speech when first presented.
Tracy believes there will be a learning curve when it comes to what is considered hate speech. He doesn't think it's practical right now because of the sheer volume of content on social media platforms.
Ride share competitors Uber and Lyft both posted their fourth quarter earnings days apart from each other. Both companies have been trying to get back on their feet after taking some pandemic-related hits, but the Omicron variant had other ideas as the year came to a close, with each company taking a hit in ridership in December. Lance Ippolito, head trader at The Future of Wealth explains how Uber and Lyft measured up this earnings period and why Uber may still have an edge over the competition.
Parallel Systems has been selected to receive $4.5 million from the Department of Energy for an advanced testing program of its autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles. The startup, which has raised more than $53 million to date, was founded by former SpaceX engineers to reimagine the rail system by creating a more efficient, decarbonized freight network. Matt Soule, Co-founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss what the company hopes to achieve.
