Jason Thomas
Contributing Writer
Jason is an expert in technology, investigations, and cyber security and has worked with governments, the private-sector, and non-governmental organizations to identify threats and opportunities that will shape the future. As Chief of Innovation for Thomson Reuters Special Services, Jason facilitates, oversees, and executes long-term solutions to emerging technology challenges. The views expressed are his alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Thomson Reuters or Thomson Reuters Special Services.
You can follow Jason on Twitter @jasonthomas.
It’s OK To Pay Ransom For Data But Not For People?
The rise of ransomware is forcing us to reevaluate our approach to negotiating with criminals.
How To Protect Your Car From Hackers
The FBI issued a PSA this week warning us of how hackers can take control of our cars. Its time for a software upgrade.
Why We May End Up No Longer Carrying Cash
Researchers at the University College of London have proposed the development of a centralized digital currency. It's unlike Bitcoin, but has all its benefits.
How Much Personal Data Do You Give Your ISP?
The Chairman of the FCC is proposing significant new rules that allow consumers to better protect their data from ISPs.
What The Apps On Your Phone Say About You
Researchers have discovered that the apps you have installed on your phone can predict your age, income, gender, and marital status.
The Strange Relationship Between Mexican Drug Cartels and Instagram
Drug cartels use social media to celebrate the narco-lifestyle. It also gets them in trouble.
Why Trump Is a Twitter Genius
Donald Trump's savvy Twitter campaign is helping him win the presidential nomination.
How WhatsApp Provided Early Warning for the Zika Outbreak
Infectious disease doctors in Brazil — as well as mothers of infants born with microcephaly — are using WhatsApp to diagnose and cope with the Zika-caused illness.
Most Americans Think Apple Should Let The FBI In
Apple thinks the government is wrong to seek a "backdoor" to its operating system. Most Americans think the government is right.
How Your Stolen Data Travels the Dark Web
Ever wonder what happens when your credit card number, Google credentials, and online banking password get stolen?
Do You Think ‘Mr. Robot’ Is Scary? You Should.
Our technologies possess intention, delicately guiding and influencing our most human behaviors in ways we haven’t considered.
Is There Such a Thing as Facebook Colonialism?
In a row over how to bring Internet access to India's poorest, Facebook almost sounds colonial.
What You Need to Win Valentine’s Day, Whether Single or Coupled
The Valentine's holiday is fast approaching. There's technology to help.
Five Things You Can Do Right Now to Keep Your Child Safe Online
Two Virginia Tech students, David Eisenhauer, 18, and Natalie Keepers, 19, are at the center of a murder investigation. So is the social media app Kik.
Are E-Sports Really Sports?
This year's Winter X Games awarded medals to Halo 5: Guardians competitors and some professional athletes aren't happy about it.
How Facebook Foiled Gun Sellers Who Tried to Dodge the Law
Wading into the gun control debate, Facebook has announced it will restrict person-to-person sales of firearms on its platform.
Doctors: If You Use Hook-Up Apps, Your Health May Be at Risk
Tinder now offers free testing for sexually transmitted infections to users.
There’s a New Programming Language Based on Donald Trump And It’s Hilarious
Two Rice University students have created "TrumpScript," a programming language Donald Trump would approve of.
To Know Thyself, Measure Thyself? Why Personal Data Collection Could Be a Big Mistake.
Our behaviors are measured, assessed, and evaluated in increments, all the little things we do. The future isn’t solely about big data; it's about little data and its risky union with big data.
How Our Devices Are Harming Our Eyes and Neck and Back…
The strain of peering into our mobile phones and tablets is causing serious vision problems.
This Young Girl’s Life Was Saved By Google’s Low-Cost Virtual Reality Device
A four-month–old little girl is alive today because of an inexpensive virtual reality device made by Google.
What If the Internet Really Isn’t Social? What If It’s the Opposite?
We have a relationship with the Internet that influences and, in some cases, drives our behaviors. Some would call it an addiction.
What Appalachian Culture Teaches Us about Technology
The immersive nature of virtual reality is worrying. We need to fully understand the path we’re headed down as new technologies are seemingly recreating our physical, kinetic lives.
How Barbie Brought Attention to Securing the Internet of Things
Hello Barbie, the new interactive doll from Mattel, has some security flaws. As the Internet of Things becomes a reality, manufacturers must make security a priority.
How Grace Hopper’s Clock Can Make Your New Year Better
"Humans are allergic to change,” Grace Hopper once said. “They love to say, 'We've always done it this way.' I try to fight that. That's why I have a clock on my wall that runs counter-clockwise."
The Internet Is Killing the World’s Languages. Can Google Help?
The Internet is contributing to the demise of 95 percent of the world's languages. Paradoxically, Google may have the solution.
Why Coding Matters
Learning how to code will get you a job and a salary. More importantly, it allows you the freedom of understanding that you can solve problems that seem overwhelming.
Will Popular Podcast ‘Serial’ Influence the Outcome of Bowe Bergdahl’s Case?
Alleged deserter Bowe Bergdahl is the subject of this season's popular podcast Serial and he practically confessed to desertion on it.
Who Is the Bigger Bully? Anonymous or Donald Trump?
Anonymous targets Donald Trump for his proposed ban on allowing Muslims to enter the United States.
How Facebook Decided to Delete the Profile of One San Bernardino Shooter
Technology companies are under pressure to remove violent, terrorist content from their sites. Who should decide what gets removed?