Welcome to the Tech Mem Right Home for Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019.

I'm Brian McCullough today.

Mr Zuckerberg went back to Washington. Google claims Quantum Supremacy, Apple overtakes Starbucks,

Higherview is a controversial AI hiring tool and is the Influencer bubble on the wane.

Here's what you missed today in the world of tech.

Mark Zuckerberg did indeed go before the House Financial Services Committee today to talk largely about the Libra cryptocurrency project, but also, of course, he ended up fielding tons of questions about all things Facebook.

Small note that at the time of this recording the hearings are still going on,

but here are the highlights thus far.

Quoting the New York Times.

Zuckerberg ended up defending Facebook on a range of issues from political

advertising to housing discrimination and child pornography.

In a hearing before the Health Financial Services Committee, Mr Zuckerberg presented a rosy view of how the cryptocurrency would provide a safe way for millions of Americans without bank accounts to exchange money affordably.

And in a response to an outcry from financial regulators he said

Facebook would not offer Libra its cryptocurrency initiative anywhere in the world

quote unless all US regulators approve it it." Indeed, here is specifically that statement.

Asked what happens if the Libra Association moves ahead without U.S. policymaker approval,

Zuckerberg said Facebook would be, quote quote forced to leave the group.

Quote if at the end of the day we don't receive the clearances we will not be a part of

the association and quote. In prepared remarks Zuckerberg said the following at different points in his remarks

he said that the Libra cryptocurrency quote will extend America's financial leadership

as well as our democratic values and oversight around the world."

While we debate these issues, the rest of the world isn't waiting.

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