ICE Acquires $20 Million in Non-Lethal Restraint Technology Amidst Shifting Enforcement Tactics

A significant shift in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operational tactics is underscored by the recent awarding of a $20 million no-bid contract for a new form of restraint technology:…

The Supreme Court Grapples with Algorithm Speech and ICE Tactics as Public Discourse Intensifies

The nation finds itself at a critical juncture, with recent legal rulings and governmental actions sparking intense debate across multiple fronts, from the boundaries of free speech in the digital…

The Federal Communications Commission Reverts Broadband Speed Goals, Raising Concerns Over Competition and Consumer Access

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially abandoned its long-standing goal of achieving nationwide gigabit broadband speeds, a decision that critics argue will stifle innovation, entrench monopolies, and leave millions…

Customs and Border Protection Employees Accused of Widespread Database Abuse, Spying on Personal Contacts and Aiding Criminals

Internal records obtained by WIRED reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse within the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with employees and contractors allegedly exploiting sensitive government databases for…

This Week In Techdirt History: August 16th – 22nd

The week of August 16th to August 22nd, 2026, as chronicled by Techdirt, offered a multifaceted look into the evolving landscape of technology, policy, and public discourse. From controversial political…

Federation of American Scientists Expands Strategic Recruitment to Address Emerging Global Challenges and Drive Evidence-Based Policy Innovation

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS), a non-partisan policy organization founded by Manhattan Project scientists to minimize the dangers of nuclear weapons and other global threats, has announced a significant…

The Promise and Peril of Zero-Knowledge Proofs in the Age of Mandatory Online Age Verification

The digital landscape is increasingly shaped by a surge in proposed and enacted age verification laws across the globe, prompting widespread debate about their efficacy and the inherent risks they…

Ctrl-Alt-Speech Explores the Evolving Landscape of Online Speech, Content Moderation, and Internet Regulation with Hashtag Inventor Chris Messina

The weekly podcast "Ctrl-Alt-Speech," hosted by Mike Masnick of Techdirt and Ben Whitelaw of Everything in Moderation, has released its latest episode, delving into the complex and rapidly evolving world…

RFK Jr.’s Government-Sponsored Cooking Show Under Scrutiny for Dubious Cost Claims

A government-sponsored cooking show hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ostensibly aimed at demonstrating how American families can prepare wholesome meals for under $5 per plate, has drawn significant criticism…

Bricks & Minifigs Reaches Settlement with Mansell Family Amidst Ongoing Legal Battles

The complex and often contentious saga involving Bricks & Minifigs (BAM), Bryan Mansell, and various former franchisees has taken a significant turn with BAM corporate announcing a resolution with the…