Cyber Security and Data Privacy: The Downsides of the Network Effect
As investors assess their portfolios and develop engagement approaches, considering data privacy and security risks alongside traditional fundamental factors may be necessary to develop a fuller understanding of the risks facing a company’s enterprise value. In many cases, these risks may fly under the radar until there is a systemic failure, at which point it may already be too late to effectively mitigate the fallout.
Social Media Regulation: Latest developments and future trends
The internet’s burning issues have taken center stage, as regulators globally push for a crackdown on social media. In the wake of the 2016 US presidential election, tech companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google were criticized for having allegedly permitted the propagation of so-called “fake news” on their platforms.
Net Neutrality: Caught in a web of lobbying and regulatory uncertainty
In June 2018, the US Federal Communications Commission repealed the network neutrality rules (Open Internet Order) that required Internet Service Providers (ISPs)[1] to treat all content on the internet equally, and to not discriminate based on any characteristic, such as who owns or created the content.[2] Specifically, ISPs were not allowed to block, slow or give preferential treatment to certain content. In this blog, we explore the implications of this repeal to users and investors, particularly in light of the recently announced mergers between distributors and content creators in the US.
GDPR and the Right to Privacy
On May 25, 2018, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will enter into force, repealing the 1995 non-legally binding European Union (EU) Data Protection Directive. GDPR enhances European citizens’ right to privacy by enshrining the “right to be forgotten,” establishing concepts like “privacy by design” and by setting aggressive timelines for businesses to report data breaches.
Facebook’s New Era: The Regulatory Implications of the Cambridge Analytica Incident
The collection and monetization of users’ data is a core part of Facebook’s strategy. However, Cambridge Analytica’s (CA) unauthorized collection and exploitation of this data exposes both the breadth and complexity of the information it has on individuals as well as the insidious nature of the methods used to collect it.
Meltdown and Spectre: Exposing the Achilles’ Heel of Chips
In January 2018, technology website The Register reported on security flaws in microchips that make a range of devices, from PC computers to servers and smartphones, more susceptible to hacking and could enable unrestricted access to sensitive information, such as passwords. What will this mean for chip manufacturers and how will it affect the broader technology value chain?
Fox Sky Takeover: Why Content Governance Matters
The power of media companies to shape societal dialogue and act as gatekeepers of content is coming under increased scrutiny. This is starting to impact the industry as demonstrated in the challenges American media giant Twenty-First Century Fox (Fox) is facing in its proposed GBP 11.7 billion (USD 15 billion) takeover of UK broadcaster Sky plc.
WannaCry: A Cybersecurity Wake Up Call
The recent Wanna, also called WannaCry, ransomware attack once again highlighted the importance of cybersecurity and protecting online data and systems. In our 10 for 2017 report, we argue that such attacks are likely to increase in frequency and intensity making it prudent for investors to integrate cybersecurity risk management into their investment decision making processes. Understanding these risks is crucial since most companies provide poor visibility into their ability to proactively manage such threats.