Emerging Tech

Behind the dozens of new data centers in Ohio is an exponentially growing demand for electricity, triggering a fight over who will pay for hundreds of millions in costs that enable an increasingly online world.

The 2024 Republican platform declares the intent to repeal the AI Executive Order President Joe Biden enacted in October 2023. The technology sector foresees increased opportunities for innovation, but risks remain.

When a blaze broke out last month in remote Black Star Canyon, the very first responder was a camera. After the device alerted the Orange County Fire Authority, firefighters contained it to under one acre.

As generative AI continues to develop, one expert predicts that state and local government officials will use it as a virtual sandbox for test driving infrastructure changes, among other applications.

A new report examines the rise of pre-emptive bans on mandated human microchip implants, noting that 13 states have recently enacted such a ban, despite no companies currently requiring the technology.

The Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch Authority is now using an artificial intelligence system to respond to some calls that come in through a non-emergency line.

The bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence has issued findings and recommendations in 15 areas including data privacy and national security. Humans, it said, should be at the center of AI policy.

The Spokane County Commission voted to accept a nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, to examine body camera footage and determine the effectiveness of its training. A system will scrutinize deputy interactions.

A panel of authorities on the data center industry told Northwest energy planners Wednesday that the tech sector will take all the electricity it can get its hands on, warning of severe consequences.

Mayor Ben Walsh’s administration wants to expand the use of body-worn cameras to its code enforcement staff, but city lawmakers want questions answered before they’ll go along with buying the equipment.

The transformative power of AI was embraced by many state and local governments this year. Dedicated AI leadership positions and task forces have emerged to guide responsible use.

Officials in the Massachusetts city are contemplating augmenting law enforcement with artificial intelligence. A subcommittee will decide next week on funding a Real-Time Crime Analysis Center with staff.

Gov tech officials have joined the GovAI Coalition, formed late last year, to collectively shape policies and best practices for introducing AI-enabled tools. They're looking to flank the fast-moving technology.

The environmental costs of using artificial intelligence tools is an area of growing concern for government technology officials. Transparency from vendors can shed light on their energy and water usage.

Officials in Austin, Texas, received a racially targeted public comment during a recent City Council meeting, generated by artificial intelligence. They are now working to ensure this time is reserved for actual constituents.

The U.S. Department of Energy has chosen Nevada Gold Mines to get as much as $95 million for a solar project. It intends to construct solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems at mines in Humboldt and Lander counties.

Created by Gov. Phil Murphy in October 2023, the group wrapped up last month by issuing a required report with recommendations. It could be re-formed if needed, but the state’s work in artificial intelligence continues.

The president-elect is expected to take a predominantly deregulatory approach to technology, and to aggressively pursue foreign cyber threat actors. He returns to office in a time of international tension in cyber space.