The RP’s Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Tech

Let me introduce one of the worst laws regarding technology in recent years. A ban signed into law last week by Gov. Bill Haslam will have this effect “Anyone who sends or posts an image online (and yes, that includes TwitPics) that they “reasonably should know” would “cause emotional distress” could face several months in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.” Wow! [Engadget]

Newegg.com got a cease and desist from Best Buy for this one. [Youtube]

Google’s R&D team has been charged with making renewable energy cheaper than coal “within a few years.” I can’t wait to see what they come up with. [Fast Company]

Contact lenses that project a HUD (heads-up display) into your field of vision? Why not? [The Economist]

A company called Sonic.net that has been around since 1994, is introducing 1Gbps internet service along fiber-optic lines for $70 per month. Am I dreaming? [ars technica]