The Giannini Politics Update 4th Edition

By Ishaan Bhattacharya
​      Welcome to the fourth edition of the Giannini Politics Update. Today we will discuss two very different issues, the Facebook mess with Cambridge Analytica and stem cell therapies approved by the FDA.

      Recently, Facebook has been under heavy criticism for the idea that the data firm and company Cambridge Analytica was able to access personal information from over 50 million Facebook users without their approval. After criticism over his slow response to this news, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, has been talking to many news corporations. Zuckerberg has testified in front of a Congressional Panel on April 11. He appeared before the House Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss the company’s use and protection of user data. Zuckerberg said that not only his users’ but even his data had been shared.    

      Zuckerberg apologized saying, “It was my mistake, I’m sorry.”  This apology was a repetition of the one in the previous Facebook hearing. CNN reported that Zuckerberg said, “This is a complex issue that deserves more than a one word answer. ” Frank Pallone, a U.S. house representative called the response disappointing.

      Also, recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified stem cell clinics using unapproved Stem cell therapies. However, the administration has now endorsed this therapy and has declared them effective and useful. This is contradicting because the FDA has suddenly changed their opinion entirely. The reason this is so interesting is because stem cells have the ability to become many types of cells in the body. “Some studies suggest that stem cells may help the nearly blind to see and reverse signs of aging.” (Cnn.com) These cells could also repair tissue and to some extent, regenerate body parts. Although not everything is known or confirmed, these therapies could be revolutionary in the field of health so stay tuned for more news regarding stem cell therapy.

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