Dear friends,
Our November investigation into tax prep companies sharing sensitive customer information has hit the news in a big way this week, directly fueling a bombshell Congressional report, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, calling for deeper investigation (and potential criminal charges) into the companies’ “shockingly careless” behavior and “stunning disregard” for taxpayer privacy.
It’s a striking example of how unseen technologies can have weighty implications: for the individual taxpayer (so, all of us) and sometimes, our kids, for the companies who may have unwittingly funneled data to locations still unknown, and for the lawmakers charged with protecting consumers.
When it comes to facing down thorny tech-driven issues, helping people and communities navigate the digital world is a crucial component of The Markup’s work. That’s why we’re especially honored to be named a media-industry winner of NAMLE’s 🏆2023 Media Literacy Awards! 🏆 You can join us and our fellow champions of media literacy at tonight’s virtual awards ceremony.
Clearly there’s no summer slowdown here, but we’re also planning for a jam-packed fall, including tons of exciting programming covering everything that tech touches, including education, mental health, and the future of work. Keep an eye out for more info soon!
With deepest gratitude,
Nabiha & Sisi