China Makes A Big Play In Silicon Valley
"The Chinese figured out that technology is the key to wealth and power, and the source of technology is still the West for China," says one China and tech watcher.
Silicon Valley
What Happens When A.I. Takes The Wheel?
In his new book Autonomy, Larry Burns, formerly with General Motors, argues that self-driving, electric cars are inevitable. In an interview with NPR, he addresses the now — and the future.
For Some Facebook Employees, Free Food Is Coming To An End
Some cities in the Bay Area want to stop tech companies from offering free or discounted food in their cafeterias. The idea is to make employees go to local businesses for their meals.
Google's New Voice Bot Sounds, Um, Maybe Too Real
The company touts AI that peppers its conversation with "uh" and "hmm" to imitate the tics of human speech. Many observers took issue with how the bot apparently tricked a human on the phone.
Lobbyists, Campaign Cash And Think Tanks: How Silicon Valley Tackled Politics
Facebook didn't open an office in Washington, DC until it was five years old and already worth billions. Last year, the company spent $12 million lobbying lawmakers and the federal government.
Restricted By YouTube, Gun Enthusiasts Are Taking Their Videos To Pornhub
YouTube is banning instructional and promotional firearm videos.
Why Silicon Valley Is Hiring Ex-Federal Agents
Major tech companies have been growing internal crime-fighting cyber teams, often staffing them with former law enforcement agents. NPR gets a look inside one of these units.
How A Female Engineer Built A Public Case Against A Sexual Harasser In Silicon Valley
Niniane Wang, an experienced engineer with a startup incubator, says she was harassed by a male investor. She wanted to be certain that when she came forward, she wouldn't be ignored.
The Left-Wing Tech Investor Running For Governor
A man with an eclectic career — youngest president of the NAACP, Silicon Valley tech investor — wants to be the governor of Maryland. NPR spent two days with him on the campaign trail.
Struggling For Investments, Silicon Valley Women Reluctant To Speak Out On Harassment
In Silicon Valley, it's difficult for women to come forward if they want to join the ranks of its richest. Some think the best way to fight harassment is to tread carefully and get to the top.