Alabama

Plus, the USDA is providing $25 million for rural broadband; Pennsylvania offers $20 million worth of devices; Raleigh, N.C., gets a state grant; and more.

Some city sources have attributed a cyber incident in early March to ransomware, although the municipality has only called it a “network disruption.” Birmingham is using paper-based processes to pay staff, but public effects may be more minor.

The Alabama Genetic Privacy Data Act, now under consideration by legislators, would require DNA testing companies to get consent from consumers before sharing their genetic information. Currently, no such privacy guarantee exists in the state.

A state spokesman says all normal business operations have been restored. Meanwhile, the hacktivist group, Anonymous Sudan, is claiming credit for the attack through statements on its Telegram channel.

Contracts and federal grant monies aim to rapidly bring high-speed Internet to many of the state’s 67 counties. The developments follow last-mile broadband work paid for by more than $82 million in state funding.

Infrastructure investment firm Meridiam will develop, build and run a $230 million network connecting 53,000 households and businesses in six counties. Developer Yellowhammer Networks, owned by Meridiam, will fund the project.

Plus, support remains strong for continuing the Affordable Connectivity Program, a Massachusetts planning program expands and Alabama gets $150 million in broadband funding.

The legislation would set mandatory AI safety testing requirements before training or market release and would mandate an internal fail-safe be included in all AI systems to trigger an immediate shutdown if issues are detected.

The Alabama Center for the Arts is being renovated into a STEAM Imagination Center, with a new degree program in design innovations that will include classes in computer systems information and additive manufacturing.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is aligning with national trends on AI regulation, establishing a task force via executive order to examine the current and future applications of the technology in state government.

Plus, Alabama announces $188 million for broadband; California sees digital discrimination legislation introduced; Phoenix opens a digital skills training center; and more.

Artificial intelligence was used to create pornographic deepfake images of six Alabama middle schoolers, prompting one state senator to propose new legislation that would make the practice a felony punishable by up to 20 years.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey told members of the state board of education in December that they couldn’t outright ban cell phones from schools, but he would like to give some additional guidance to districts.

Alabama’s 48-year-old grand jury secrecy law looms over two separate cases that are drawing national attention while raising questions over what constitutes legitimate legal secrets in South Alabama.

Plus, the New York State Library is preparing to hold a digital equity roundtable, a report details the lack of Internet at rural Pennsylvania schools, and more.

Both states are leveraging digital platforms to centralize job prospects, skills data and educational opportunities in the hopes of creating strong talent pipelines to address job access, training and education barriers for residents.

A technical team of experts is being formed to create a $30 million center at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park that is expected to put north Alabama on the cutting edge of electric vehicle technology.

The Alabama Community College System will make Canvas and other Instructure products available to all students in its 24 public community and technical colleges by fall 2024.