Digital Platform Policy Highlights - Digest 35
Q1 2024 to Q3 2024 policy changes: Major platforms are rolling out new policies, from streamlining DJ copyright rules to enhancing security measures and improving transparency with app labeling.
This post is part ten of a series documenting policy changes and feature improvements introduced by platforms in Q2 2024 and Q3 2024.
TL; DR→ Here are policy changes to curb “bad” behaviors on the platforms:
Google Introduces Labels for Official Government Apps in Play Store
Google Bolsters Advanced Protection Program with Passkey Support
Twitch to Require DJs to Share Earnings with Music Labels
One of the main drivers of this program is the platform’s worry that without taking such measures, DJs would be subject to copyright infringement rules, forcing Twitch to take down their streams. Interestingly, Twitch itself will pay part of the money given to labels, which is likely an attempt to placate DJ streamers. The implementation is going to be interesting and complicated: should it be a standardized formula (i.e., DJ mixing multiple tracks in a single set)? Should it be applied uniformly for international DJs and international artists whose songs are mixed? (link)
OpenAI and Personalized AI Voices
After several iterations of voice AI development throughout 2024, OpenAI has finally opted for a more controlled approach with limited voice options and accents, a departure from the original idea of personalized voice cloning (link). Their journey included controversy with the Sky voice, which drew objection from Scarlett Johansson due to its similarity to her voice (link). This careful progression reflects growing industry awareness of the ethical implications of voice cloning technology, even as small competitors continue to offer more personalization options. Voice based authentication systems in customer service may be counting their final days in 2025 (link)
Google Introduces Labels for Official Government Apps in Play Store
The move comes as part of a broader initiative to combat misinformation and protect users from fraudulent applications impersonating government services. This new feature aims to improve transparency and user safety, making it easier for users to trust apps developed by government entities. The maintenance of these labels would be an interesting challenge. The maintenance of these labels would be an interesting challenge, particularly during political transitions - if a new government wants to roll back certain digital services, what should happen to the “official” badge? (link)
Google Bolsters Advanced Protection Program with Passkey Support
The support for passkey is aimed at bolstering security for high-risk users like politicians and activists ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Passkeys offer a more robust, phishing-resistant form of authentication, ensuring better protection for sensitive accounts. This implementation makes the common excuse of "my account was hacked" increasingly less credible, as passkeys significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access. The timing of this rollout, similar to other platforms' passkey implementations (read here), suggests a coordinated industry push to enhance accountability in digital communications during election seasons. (link)
Research help from Marshall Singer, Anantesh Mohapatra, Jennifer Xie, Anna Li and John Mai (Thanks a ton, folks!)
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