Millions of Americans are inadvertently sending their internet traffic to Chinese companies—including several tied to the People’s Liberation Army.

Apple Offers Apps With Ties to Chinese Military

The Apple CEO has long acted as Apple’s top lobbyist. Now he’s ramping up his efforts as Apple contends with a wave of regulatory pressure.

Tim Cook Leans into Lobbyist-in-Chief Role as Apple’s Challenges Mount

A custom stationary business, a school district, and a nonprofit group that works with autistic children have all felt the wrath of the company’s trademark lawyers.

Apple’s Trademark ‘Bullying’ Targets Small Businesses, Nonprofits

Apple and Google say they comply with U.S. sanctions. But an array of sanctioned companies, many from Russia and China, offer apps through their app stores.

U.S.-Sanctioned Firms Find Opening in Apple and Google App Stores

The Apple and Google app stores offer VPNs without revealing they’re owned by Chinese companies. That keeps Americans in the dark about privacy and national security risks.

Spot Check: Apple and Google Still Have a Chinese VPN Problem

Apple Podcasts prohibit “harmful and dangerous” content. But the platform is a hub for shows spreading Covid conspiracies—and increasingly, misinformation about monkeypox.

Covid Misinfo Thrives on Apple Podcasts

Covid Misinformation, Dangerous Treatments Thrive on Apple Podcasts

Apple’s critics say the company has a long history of putting third-party apps out of business by copying their ideas. Is Jamf, the maker of device management software, next in line?

Apple Faces Antitrust Test in Treatment of Jamf

A new law presumes goods from China’s Xinjiang region are tainted by forced labor unless importers prove otherwise. Will it bring some accountability to Apple?

Apple Faces New U.S. Law Targeting Uyghur Forced Labor

Apple CEO Tim Cook talks about a ‘greener’ future. But his company is a member of business associations fighting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

‘Green’ Apple Backs Business Groups Stalling Action on Climate Change

Today, Campaign for Accountability (CfA) filed a formal complaint with U.S. Customs and Border Protection over Apple’s continued use of forced labor in products it ships to and sells in the United States.

CfA Files Complaint Over Forced Labor in Apple’s Supply Chain

State lawmakers have floated numerous bills to break Apple’s grip over the App Store. A TTP investigation reveals the iPhone giant’s extensive pushback.

Inside Apple’s Push to Kill State App Store Bills

Apple just announced new steps to flag child sex abuse images on iPhones. But a TTP investigation shows that Apple’s App Store is rife with child safety problems.

Apple’s App Store Loopholes Put Children at Risk

Apple is investing in wind farms in China as it develops a carbon neutral supply chain. But the company’s wind partner in China has links to the repression of minority Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Apple’s Uyghur Dilemma Grows

Militia groups and QAnon have amassed a vast audience through social media. But they’ve also gained a foothold on Apple and Google podcasts—and an Apple TV show.

Apple and Google Podcasts Include Militias, QAnon

Chinese company Lens Technology—a key part of Apple’s supply chain—has made heavy use of minority Uighur workers, TTP’s investigation found.

Another Apple Supplier Linked to Forced Labor

Apple admits it has removed apps in China at the government's request, but says the majority involve activities like illegal gambling and porn. A TTP analysis, however, suggests Apple is proactively blocking scores of other apps that are politically sensitive for Beijing.

Apple Is Censoring its App Store for China

Apple has touted its efforts to halt the trade of conflict minerals like gold. But the company has long relied on gold suppliers linked to money laundering and other illegal activity.

Apple’s Dirty Gold Problem

Apple says it has ‘zero tolerance’ for forced labor in its supply chain. But Apple’s supplier of T-shirts for its retail staff just got slapped with U.S. sanctions for coercive labor practices.

Apple’s Employee Uniforms Tied to Forced Labor in Xinjiang

Facebook prohibits fraud. But in dozens of Facebook groups, users are buying and renting Uber driver accounts under other people’s identities.

For Sale on Facebook: Fraudulent Uber Driver Accounts

Meta says it prohibits ads that sell prescription and recreational drugs. But it’s approving drug dealer ads targeting users in multiple countries.

Meta Allows Drug Ads Selling Everything from Opioids to Cocaine

Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, have donated to a broad array of colleges and universities across the country, raising questions about their potential to influence the institutions.

Zuckerberg and Meta Reach Deep into Academia

National PTA cuts ties with Meta

Social casino and sweepstakes games are “free” to play but can still leave players deeply in debt. Facebook is one of their primary platforms.   

How Facebook Profits from 'Predatory' Casino Games

Scammers are spending heavily on Facebook ads that use deepfake videos of President Trump, Elon Musk, and other political figures to hawk fake government benefits.

Meta Awash in Deepfake Scam Ads

Meta says its ‘Instagram Teen Accounts’ protect minors from inappropriate content, including people fighting. But there’s a big hashtag loophole.

Instagram Points Teen Users to Brutal Fight Videos

As Meta comes under growing pressure over its impact on teens, it’s using a range of tactics to move the public narrative in a friendlier direction.

Inside Meta’s Spin Machine on Kids and Social Media

Arms dealers in Houthi-controlled Yemen are openly offering weapons for sale on Elon Musk’s X and Meta-owned WhatsApp.

X and WhatsApp Host Arms Traders Tied to Houthis

A vast network of Facebook pages has been spending millions of dollars to promote fake government benefits and ‘free’ Trump gifts.

Meta Hosts Sprawling Pro-Trump Scam Ad Network as Election Nears

Meta prohibits ads that sell guns and gun accessories. But it’s allowing ads on Facebook and Instagram that offer a range of firearms for sale.

From Glocks to Ghost Guns: Meta Approves Hundreds of Ads Selling Firearms

Facebook says it’s committed to protecting election integrity. But it’s allowing users to buy and sell accounts that can run political ads under a fake identity.

For Sale on Facebook: Accounts That Can Run U.S. Election Ads

Facebook hosts a thriving black market for fake and stolen accounts. Some sellers are offering accounts that can run political ads in India, raising election interference fears.

Facebook Black Market for Ad Accounts Looms Over India Election

Meta gave the green light to teen-targeted ads for drug parties and anorexia that violated its policies and used images produced by its AI image generator.

Meta Approves Harmful Teen Ads with Images from its Own AI Tool

Facebook says it bans U.S.-designated terrorist groups. But the platform has generated more than 100 pages for groups like Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

Meta Creates Pages for ISIS, Undermining Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Facebook bans ‘militia communities.’ But it’s hosting an array of militia groups that push misinformation about migrants at the U.S. southern border.

Border Militias Use Facebook to Spread Migrant Conspiracies

Misinformation has endangered and confused migrants heading for the U.S. It’s also whipping up anti-migrant sentiment in Mexico.

Facebook Misinfo Targets Migrants In Mexico

Facebook Allows Spanish-Language Misinformation to Target Migrants in Mexico

Facebook prohibits the buying and selling of accounts. But the platform hosts a thriving black market for Facebook business manager accounts that can run multiple ad campaigns.

Facebook Black Market for Ad Accounts Raises New Scam, Election Interference Fears

Meta prohibits advertising that promotes the sale or use of guns and gun accessories. But a TTP investigation shows the company allows weapon ads that violate those policies on a regular basis.

Gun Ads Flow on Meta Platforms

The Canadian government and fact checkers have warned about a fake Canadian visa program targeting migrants. Meta’s platforms are allowing it to spread unchecked.

Anatomy of a Scam: How Facebook and WhatsApp Spread Misinformation to Migrants

For years, Facebook has been auto-generating pages for groups like al-Qaeda and the Proud Boys. That means it’s creating content for groups involved in real-world violence.

Facebook Creates Pages for Terrorists

Facebook Creates Pages for Terrorists and Extremists

Human smugglers are making heavy use of tech platforms to reach migrants.

Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp Storefronts, and TikTok Videos: How Coyotes Get Creative

Facebook saw its first surge of anti-government “boogaloo bois” in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. Despite a Facebook ban, they’re creeping back on the platform.

Facebook Boogaloo Crackdown Falls Short as Extremists Return

White supremacists continue to have a home on Facebook—and the platform is generating ad revenue off them.

Facebook Profits from White Supremacist Groups

We talked to migrants about their information diets. Here’s what we learned.

Inside the World of Misinformation Targeting Migrants on Social Media

A TTP investigation last year found that Instagram allowed teen users to easily find a range of deadly drugs on the platform. Months later, very little has changed.

Spot Check: Instagram’s Drug Pipeline for Teens

Newly released documents and research are shining light on the expansive, and expensive, influence campaign being waged by American Edge Project (AEP), the Facebook supported anti-regulatory attack dog.

Funding the Fight Against Antitrust: How Facebook’s Antiregulatory Attack Dog Spends its Millions

Facebook has failed to remove U.S.-based militia groups from its platform. Now they’re organizing support for the trucker protests making their way to Washington.

On Facebook, Far-Right Militias Stoke Trucker Convoy Headed to DC

Facebook played a key role in radicalizing people who took part in the Jan. 6 insurrection last year. The platform still hasn't cleaned up its act.

A Year After Capitol Riot, Facebook Remains an Extremist Breeding Ground

Instagram says it removes posts that encourage anorexia and bulimia. New research finds that the platform still pushes such content to adult and teen accounts.

‘Thinstagram’: Instagram’s algorithm fuels eating disorder epidemic

Instagram says it prohibits buying and selling of drugs. But TTP found that minor users had access to a range of pharmaceuticals on the platform.

Xanax, Ecstasy, and Opioids: Instagram Offers Drug Pipeline to Kids

Facebook restricted ad targeting of teens following investigations by TTP and Reset Australia. But TTP’s latest experiment shows Facebook still hasn’t fixed the problem.

Facebook’s Repeat Fail on Harmful Teen Ads

Facebook insists it doesn’t allow human smugglers to use its platform. But TTP’s latest research shows Facebook continues to host a market for illegal border crossings. 

Spot Check: Facebook Still a Haven for Human Smuggling

Far-right militia groups flourish on Facebook despite a promised crackdown. Now they’re prime spreaders of misinformation about the Covid vaccines.

Facebook’s New Toxic Stew: Militia Groups and Vaccine Conspiracies

Facebook failed to stem the flow of election conspiracies that led to the Capitol riot. Now, it’s failing again with misinformation about Arizona’s election ‘audit.’

False Election Audit Claims Surge on Facebook

Facebook Restricts Ad Targeting for Kids

TTP found more Facebook pages and groups offering illegal border crossing services. They show prices and routes—and often promise easy passage.

Human Smuggling Rampant on Facebook Amid Border Surge

A TTP experiment found that Facebook approved a range of troubling advertisements for children aged 13 to 17. The findings echo a similar study in Australia.

Pills, Cocktails, and Anorexia: Facebook Allows Harmful Ads to Target Teens

Facebook says it doesn’t allow human exploitation. But smugglers are using the platform to offer migrants illegal passage across the southern U.S. border.

Facebook Teems with Human Smugglers Luring Migrants

Mark Zuckerberg is about to face lawmakers two months after the Capitol riot. But Facebook still hasn’t fixed its militia problem.

Facebook’s Militia Mess

Facebook has been heavily promoting a message that it welcomes government regulation, as its CEO prepares to face lawmakers for the first time since the U.S. Capitol riot.

Facebook Launches P.R. Blitz Ahead of Zuckerberg Testimony

Facebook has announced crackdowns on militia groups and “stop the steal” election conspiracies. But it’s allowing both to converge in a new pro-Trump “Patriot Party” movement that’s growing rapidly on the platform.

Facebook Home to Militant ‘Patriot Party’ Movement

Facebook suspended President Trump following the mob attack on Congress. But the platform allowed organizing for the pro-Trump rally, as well as the spread of conspiracy theories and militant extremism that drove the rioters.

Capitol Attack Was Months in the Making on Facebook

Facebook suspended President Trump and announced other actions after the U.S. Capitol riot. But it continued to push ads for military gear next to insurrection posts.

How Facebook Profits from the Insurrection

Facebook Pauses Military Gear Ads

Facebook Pauses Ads for Military Gear and Gun Accessories

Facebook, Google Still Offering ‘Embed’-Like Consulting to Campaigns

For years, Facebook profited from militia group ads looking to attract new recruits. The messages reached tens of thousands of users.

Facebook Ran Recruitment Ads for Militia Groups

Facebook offered state officials a customized dashboard to monitor for election interference. But the tool doesn’t give the full picture of disinformation on the platform.

Facebook Leans on States to Spot Voter Interference

Facebook announced its expansive voter registration drive back in June. But it got off to a slow and halting start amid complaints by the Trump campaign.

Facebook Scaled Back Voter Registration Kickoff

Facebook has announced multiple crackdowns on anti-government extremists. But the company’s slow and ineffective response has allowed the movement to persist on its platform.

Facebook’s Boogaloo Problem: A Record of Failure

Facebook-owned Instagram disabled ‘related hashtags’ for key Trump content, blocking potentially negative messages. Biden didn’t get the same treatment.

Instagram’s Hashtag Blocking Favors Trump, Hurts Biden

Instagram Turns Off ‘Related Hashtags’

Instagram Turns Off ‘Related Hashtags’ Feature

Facebook Cracks Down on ‘Boogaloo’ 

Facebook Cracks Down on ‘Boogaloo’ Extremists

Facebook took no action against the groups after TTP identified them in an April report. Now three of their members are accused of planning violence at a Las Vegas protest.

Members of Facebook Boogaloo Groups Arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

Facebook executives like Sheryl Sandberg have spent years building relationships with state attorneys general. Now that influence operation is being put to the test as the AGs investigate the company for potential antitrust violations.

Inside Facebook's Years-Long Effort to Influence State Prosecutors

Facebook’s “Related Pages” feature points users toward similar content to keep them engaged. But in the case of white supremacist groups, the feature can give people a pathway to more hate-filled extremism. 

Facebook's Network of Hate

Facebook says hate groups aren’t allowed on the platform. But white supremacists are using the social network to build their movement.

White Supremacist Groups Are Thriving on Facebook

Scaly, ant-eating pangolins are at risk of extinction—and being studied as a potential coronavirus host. But the animals are still available for sale on Facebook.

Covid-Linked Wildlife Still for Sale on Facebook

The groups are fanning fears of government lockdowns as they prepare for an uprising they call the “boogaloo.”

Extremists Are Using Facebook to Organize for Civil War Amid Coronavirus

Facebook and Google banned sales and advertising of medical face masks amid coronavirus scams and shortages. But the content didn’t go away.

Tech Giants Fail to Eradicate Face Mask Sales

Facebook said it was removing videos of the New Zealand massacre. But 12 months later, they’re still available on the social network.

A Year Later, Christchurch Attack Videos Still on Facebook

Facebook says it doesn’t tolerate child exploitation on its platform. But federal criminal cases show pedophiles have inundated the social network for years.

Sexual Exploitation of Children on Facebook

How Facebook and Google’s Campaign Embeds Benefit Their Bottom Lines

The former Google CEO has repeatedly called China’s AI ambitions a threat to the U.S. His personal investments reveal a much friendlier stance.

Eric Schmidt Cozies Up to China’s AI Industry While Warning U.S. of its Dangers

YouTube says it delivers ‘responsible’ video recommendations. But its algorithms steered young gamer accounts toward content on guns.

YouTube Leads Young Gamers to Videos of Guns, School Shootings

Google says a ‘broad cross-section’ of experts, academics, and organizations support its legal position. The company is paying many of them.

Google Activates Paid Allies for Supreme Court Fight

Google Activates D.C. Influence Machine for Pivotal Supreme Court Case

Apple and Google ban apps that create sexualized images. But both companies offer dozens of apps that can strip the clothes off people.

Nudify Apps Widely Available in Apple and Google App Stores

Google once ranked as the country’s top corporate spender on lobbying, but then its numbers dropped sharply. A little-known legal strategy played a role.

Google ‘Shell Game’ Shields Executive Lobbying from Public View

Google contributes to an array of nonprofit groups. This year the company dropped dozens tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion from its list.

Google’s Disappearing DEI Groups

In past election cycles, Google fed scam ads to Americans searching for information on how to vote. Things are looking better in 2024.

Election Surprise: Google Cleans Up Voter Scam Ads

YouTube restricted firearms content for users under 18. But teens still have access to prohibited videos.

Spot Check: YouTube’s New Age Restrictions on Gun Videos

YouTube Puts Age Restrictions on Gun Videos

Silicon Valley Rep. Ro Khanna convened a meeting of academics ‘ignored’ in the debate over AI. More than two-thirds of them had ties to Big Tech that Khanna did not disclose.

Ro Khanna’s AI Academic Roundtable Stacked with Big Tech-Connected Scholars

Some social media platforms are potentially profiting from advertisement placements alongside searches for hate groups and extremists, according to a new review by the Anti-Defamation League and the Tech Transparency Project.

Profiting from Hate: Platforms’ Ad Placement Problem

YouTube Gives Option to Disable Video Recommendations

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt helped shape legislation to expand the U.S. semiconductor industry. Now, his network of investments is poised to benefit from the new stream of government funding.

Eric Schmidt's Influence Machine Scored with the CHIPS Act

Crisis pregnancy centers pose as abortion clinics but push an anti-abortion message. Google is helping them reach their target audience of low-income women.

Google Helps ‘Fake Abortion Clinics’ Target Low-Income Women

An obscure program linked to the former Google CEO has placed at least 24 people inside key federal agencies. Some of them explicitly identify themselves as Schmidt fellows.

Eric Schmidt’s Expanding Influence Apparatus

Google says it’s committed to connecting voters with accurate information. But the company is again allowing misleading ads to target people searching for how to vote.

Google Ads Mislead Voters Ahead of Midterms

Google’s ad policies prohibit misrepresentation that can deceive users. But the company is allowing “crisis pregnancy centers” to run ads that falsely suggest they offer abortions—to lure unsuspecting users.

Google Serves Anti-Abortion Clinic Ads that Violate its Policies

Google has banned some ‘stalkerware’ apps. But the company makes it alarmingly easy to use its tools and apps to track the location of other users, creating new risks in the post-Roe era

Google Has a Stalking Problem

Americans want to know more about Biden’s student loan forgiveness plans. But Google is hitting them with scam ads when they search for information on the topic.

Google Helps Scammers Target Americans Seeking Student Loan Relief

Google is unpopular with Democrats in control of Washington. But it’s still trying to steer the debate about Big Tech—by quietly building a force of progressive policy influencers.

Google Targets the Left with Stealthy Influence Campaign

Former Google head has assembled a secretive fund with Washington insiders to help direct US national security investments—potentially to his own benefit.

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