Communications of the ACM — January 2021, Volume 64, Number 1

Computing rarely stays in one lane. The January 2021 issue of Communications of the ACM moves between technical research, professional practice, and the social questions raised by technology—offering a timely snapshot of the field at the start of the year.

Across its departments and feature articles, the issue considers subjects including geometric deep learning, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, privacy in online advertising, and the ethics of software vulnerabilities. Alongside technical coverage, contributors examine research publishing, computing education, technology management, and how technology companies affect public life.

Technical ideas in a wider context

Readers will find coverage of topics such as secure multiparty computation, quantum computing, microservice architecture, and research into artificial intelligence. The issue also looks at how computing systems operate in practice—from smartphone security to the engineering and organizational decisions behind consequential technologies.

Privacy, policy, and professional responsibility

Several articles turn to the questions that arise when computing meets society. They address sensitive-interest advertising on Facebook, online content moderation, cybersecurity trade-offs, and whether technology providers bear responsibility for patterns of excessive use. These discussions place technical choices alongside their possible implications for users and institutions.

A field in conversation

Editorials and viewpoints widen the lens further, considering international research collaboration and the computing-research publication system. Historical reflection and career-focused coverage add still more variety, making this issue a broad survey rather than a single-topic collection.

Who may find this issue useful?

Computing professionals, researchers, educators, and students may appreciate its mix of technical reporting and debate about the field’s responsibilities and direction. For readers following computer science beyond one specialty, this issue offers a varied selection of ideas to explore.