Skimm'd while celebrating Women's Health Week

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MAY 16, 2019

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Skimm'd while celebrating Women's Health Week


  QUOTE OF THE DAY  

"Bostonian" – The second-hottest accent in the US, according to a new survey. Pahk your cah, back up, read that again.

CALL TO ACTION

The Story

World leaders and tech companies are taking steps to keep social media from being used to spread hate.

What's this about?

In March, a shooter targeted two mosques and killed 51 people in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. The attack was broadcast live on Facebook and later uploaded to YouTube and other sites – which struggled to take the videos down. This led to backlash against some tech companies. Meet: the "Christchurch Call" initiative.

Go on.

The initiative is a call to action organized by New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron. Those who sign onto the nine-point plan commit to taking steps to stop the spread of online extremism while also protecting "principles of a free, open and secure internet, without compromising human rights and fundamental freedoms." It has the support of several tech companies including Facebook, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Twitter. And 18 governments around the world.

Does that include the US?

It does not. The White House said it isn't officially backing the plan because of concerns it could violate free speech. But it supports the idea and says it would "continue to be proactive" to counter terrorist content online.

What does this all mean for tech companies?

This isn't legally binding. But they promised to do things like clarify their policies and responses to terrorist and extremist content, review algorithms that could promote extremist content, and work together to share flagged content to stop it from being uploaded across sites.

Is that all?

No. Earlier this week, Facebook introduced new rules for live-streaming. It said that people who break Facebook's "most serious policies" will be immediately banned from using Facebook Live for a period of time. Unclear what falls under "most serious policies" – but current community standards prohibit spreading terrorist propaganda. A spokesperson reportedly said that with the new policy, the alleged Christchurch shooter would not have been able to livestream the attack.

theSkimm

Tech companies can differ on how they define or treat extremist content – but the implications can be deadly (see: violence in Myanmar). After the Christchurch attack, many seem willing to work together to address the complicated issue of policing dangerous content online. TBD if we see concrete results...or what that looks like.

AND ALSO...THIS

Where a countdown is beginning…

Alabama. Yesterday, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed the strictest abortion bill in the country into law. It bans all abortions unless a woman's health is in serious danger. There are no exceptions for victims of rape or incest. And doctors who carry out abortions could face up to 99 years in prison. The ban is set to go into effect in six months. But it's expected to get held up in courts as orgs like Planned Parenthood get ready to sue.

  • #YouKnowMe: This has spurred an online movement in which thousands of woman have come forward to put a human face to the figure that one in four women get an abortion in their lifetimes.

  • Not on our watch: 2020 Democratic presidential candidates have sounded off against the new law. Republicans – including President Trump – have so far been hesitant to weigh in.

  • Eyes on the prize: The goal is for this to get to SCOTUS, but that could take a while. And the court could be more interested in gradual changes. So for now, eyes are on other states' bills limiting abortion access, like Indiana's – a case the Supremes are expected to discuss again today.


What beef is getting hotter than your BBQ grill...

US-Iran. Last week, the US deployed an aircraft carrier and bombers to the region because of alleged threats made by Iran against US troops. Since then, Saudi Arabia – Iran's chief rival – says it's experienced attacks on its oil infrastructure (think: tankers, a key pipeline). And a report came out that the Trump admin was discussing plans to send up to 120,000 troops to the region if needed, which President Trump denied. The latest: yesterday, the US ordered non-emergency employees out of its embassy and a consulate in neighboring Iraq.

  • Why so serious: All of this is coming around the one-year anniversary of the US pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal. Last week, Iran said it would stop complying with parts of the deal. And reportedly blamed US sanctions for putting "unprecedented" pressure on the country.

  • Feeling skeptical: Earlier this week, the top British general in the US-led coalition against ISIS said he doesn't see an increased Iranian threat on the ground. Senators now want answers on what the deal is with this alleged threat – and whether it's leading the US on the path to war.


Who's got health on the mind...

The CDC. A new report found that US birth rates have reached a record low. And that last year, the total number of babies born was the lowest in more than 30 years – below what's needed to maintain a steady population. The only age group that upped their baby-making pace was women in their late 30s and early 40s.


North Carolina. Yesterday, the state became the first to sue Juul. It's accusing the vape company of encouraging minors to use its products and become addicted to nicotine. Think: getting influencers to promote its products and being careless about age requirements when buying online.


$: What's money got to do with it? Here's what low birth rates could mean for your wallet.


When you hear Hershey's is updating its look…

It's not the only one grappling with technology.


...Oh and speaking of technology, President Trump is trying to keep Chinese tech giant Huawei far, far away from here.


When you feel guilty about that splurge...

At least you didn't drop more than $91 million on a steel rabbit.


When you're feeling distracted at work

Skimm This. Our daily podcast tells you how your co-workers are keeping you from doing your job. Tune in so you can tune them out.

ASIAN-AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To celebrate, we're highlighting some businesses run by Asian American and Pacific Islanders. Think: a STEM startup, beauty brands, a meal delivery service, and more.

SKIMM PICKS

For when you notice women's products cost more than men's...

It's a prickly situation. These razors are our favorite way to stay smooth and fight the pink tax. You can buy a subscription that's half the price of what you'd get in-store. And for today only, Skimm'rs get an exclusive discount on a starter kit. Go go go.*


For when you're eyeing a big savings goal...

Pick up your phone. Qapital is an app that takes the stress out of saving, spending, and investing. It lets you set goals – and rules for reaching them (think: rounding up spare change or auto-stashing your cash). Savings, supercharged. Skimm'rs get a free trial.*


For when you still want to celebrate moms…

Here's one more reason. Poppy Harlow is a CNN anchor and podcast host. And once interviewed the notorious RBG just days after giving birth. Listen and subscribe to "Skimm'd from the Couch" for more on how she made that call.

*PS This is a sponsored post, which means if you purchase or sign up, theSkimm may get something in return. Thanks.

SKIMM'RS

Cheers to…Mainon S (DC). She was sworn in as a member of the US Supreme Court Bar, which means she's eligible to appear in front of the Supremes. She's also about to finish her MFA in poetry at NYU. She did all of this while working full-time as a lawyer at the Library of Congress. And she's 25 weeks pregnant with her first child.


(Some) Birthdays…Brooksie Voss (CA), Michele Aprati (IL), Tyler Aprati (IL), Hanna Bregman (NY), Stachowski (NH), Anna Schnell (AL), Sapan Shah (VT), Kaitlyn Luckow (WI), Meghan Kehoe (MI), Reena Saucedo (CO), Shane DeLeon (FL), Torre Rossano (SC), Whitney Knouse (TX)


*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.