Using online retail search data, this article explores how dramatic shifts in consumer behavior during the quarantine affected algorithms used to manage inventory, sell ads, and screen for fraud. It underscores the role of informed and timely governance – including human intervention – to ensure algorithm performance.

This article evaluates how the need to distribute emergency funds widely and quickly may spur the creation of a new, publicly run payment system. The author highlights recent legislative initiatives like one in New York that would provide residents with a digital wallet and discusses the implications of central bank account provisioning by the Federal Reserve.