Policy
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The Trump administration has released its national legislative framework for AI technology. If enacted, it could pre-empt state regulations in certain areas but maintain some authority elsewhere. -
Plus, new legislation would revive the FCC’s equity council if enacted, a report reveals connectivity gaps in tribal communities, some municipal broadband networks outperform their competitors, and more.
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The legislation, proposed Wednesday by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, would compel AI chatbot developers to “exercise reasonable care” in designing and operating systems to prevent “reasonably foreseeable” harm to users.
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The nearly $1.7 billion IT bond passed last week in Massachusetts funds upgrades to software, equipment and databases across the state, also setting aside money to improve remote learning and cell service.
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Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has announced that nearly $50 million will go to support broadband expansion across the state of Missouri, including support directed at boosting telehealth and education.
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Plus, how human-centered design helped city officials in Seattle massive increase testing for COVID-19, the U.S. Senate introduces a new $100 billion broadband infrastructure bill, and more.
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After mounting pressure from politicians and thousands of law students, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Wednesday afternoon that the Florida bar exam will shift to an online format due to rising COVID-19 cases.
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The purpose of the program, Sen. Angus King of Maine explained, would be to fend off a potentially “catastrophic cyberattack” that could disrupt millions of lives and throw the country into chaos.
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With COVID-19 affecting schools across the state, enrollment in the Georgia Virtual School has already risen 30% and officials think it could go much higher, overwhelming the 250 teachers for the program.
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Voters in Michigan will get to decide if police need a warrant to access an individual’s electronic data and communications after the House and Senate passed a resolution to place it on the November ballot.
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State officials don’t have a current count of how many police agencies in New Jersey use body cameras, but a survey by New Jersey Advance Media found that officers in four of the 10 most-populated towns don’t have them.
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U.S. Sen. Ed Markey introduced a facial recognition bill this week with Rep. Ayanna Pressley, another Massachusetts Democrat; Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat; and Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat.
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California has led the way as state legislatures grapple with how to protect the vast amount of data citizens share online every day. In the absence of federal policy, a variety of tactics are being explored in states.
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As automation becomes an ever-more viable tool for government for everything from cameras on light poles to using AI to set prisoners’ bail, can policymakers ensure it is used responsibly and ethically?
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San Diego City Council is planning to make major technology upgrades to increase public participation. The list includes an upgraded voting system, new video displays, and more.
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The California Air Resources Board approved an aggressive regulation to spur the adoption of electric semi-trucks and similar vehicles. Under the rules, all trucks sold in the state must be zero-emission by 2045.
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Minneapolis is expected to vote on a proposal that would allow two vendors to deploy scooters as soon as July 1, even as the issue over whether they will be required to have locking devices remains unsettled.
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In as little as two years, small robots may be delivering packages to households, takeout and even medical supplies, thanks to a bipartisan North Carolina bill that is poised to be signed into law.
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A new proposal at the federal level would create millions of dollars in new funding for cybersecurity protections for school districts. Schools have been an increasingly popular target for cybercriminals.
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The prior privacy law, known as the California Consumer Privacy Act, took effect this January. Even though some said it was a step in the right direction, digital rights groups have criticized those guidelines for being too weak.
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In 2015, the Federal Communications Commission changed the definition of broadband in response to growing Internet demands. Experts differ on whether the COVID-19 crisis calls for another definition change in 2020.
