Open Markets Institute

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Today in Monopoly - Tuesday, February 26th

Here are some stories we had our eye on today:

Congress dives into privacy

Axios, David McCabe

Lawmakers who will play key roles inwriting a national privacy law may tip their hands at a series of hearings this week. Why it matters: Industry groups have been pushing Congress to take action that would override a growing number of state privacy laws, led by regulations set to go into effect inCalifornia next year.

Apple and Facebook Fighting International Encryption Battle

The Wall Street Journal, Robert McMillan and Dustin Volz

Governments want access to user data to solve crimes and track potential threats. Silicon Valley companies, fearful that this access could be misused for spying or exploited by hackers, continue to build products that are so securely encrypted that the tech companies themselves are sometimes unable to access the data on them. And many tech companies are resisting any efforts to weaken their encryption capabilities.

Washington Considers Overhaul of Music-Licensing Rules

The Wall Street Journal, Brent Kendall and Anne Steele

Justice Department officials and lawmakers are considering an overhaul of longstanding music-licensing rules that have pitted songwriters and publishers against the businesses, broadcasters and digital streaming services that want to play their compositions. The government’s review could have major implications on the multibillion-dollar music industry.

Want a Green New Deal? Here’s a better one.

The Washington Post, Editorial Board

Inthis series of editorials, we propose our own Green New Deal. It relies both on smart government intervention — and on transforming the relentless power of the market from an obstacle to a centerpiece of the solution.