Policy

The state has been successful at reducing its cyber vulnerabilities by nearly 50 percent in the last year, its CISO said, as it undertakes a statewide strategy to grow a cybersecurity culture.

The Texas Cyber Command would work closely with state agencies, universities and Regional Security Operation Centers to improve cybersecurity. Gov. Greg Abbott announced it during his State of the State address Sunday.

Derek Williams was elevated to state CIO last year after having served as deputy CIO since late 2022. He is a veteran Louisiana technologist, and has been with the Office of Technology Services since its creation.

As tech positions go unfilled across public-sector organizations, recruiting experts recommend lowering the hurdles. Suggested strategies include clarifying job descriptions and tailoring hiring processes.

Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a ban prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence and social media apps associated with the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, on government-issued electronic tools.

A new report from the Consortium for School Networking examines the wave of cybersecurity laws passed last year and how they relate to schools. It also makes policy recommendations for state and local education leaders.

While Spotsylvania County has already approved various data center developments, staff and the Board of Supervisors are still trying to hammer out regulations on the exploding industry.

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ annual list aggregates pressing tech and security challenges states face. Input from CIOs and CISOs helps shape its content.

Atlanta is one of the hottest places in the country for tech companies to build data centers, hulking warehouses filled with servers that power web services, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell recommends that schools issue “bell-to-bell” bans on personal electronic devices during the school day and develop curriculum guidelines for teaching digital media literacy.

The New York Daily News Editorial Board supports a proposed ban on smartphones in New York schools from bell to bell, given exemptions for special circumstances, because it will refocus students on what's important.

A newly signed executive order from President Donald Trump aims to establish and secure the nation’s position as a leader in artificial intelligence. An AI Action Plan is slated to follow.

The U.S. Department of Education issued guidance this week on steps school systems can take to make accessibility a core component of K-12 learning technology, including who to involve and what resources to consult.

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would criminalize distribution of sexually explicit, AI-generated content involving children. The proposed law would, its sponsor said, offer a clear legal definition for AI.

A proposed bill in the Maryland General Assembly seeks to create an analysis and report about the economic, environmental and energy consequences of data center development in the state.

As EV manufacturing grows in the state, purchasing the vehicles could become more expensive if federal lawmakers lessen or even remove the tax credit, a stated goal of President Donald Trump.

A panel at the Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando last week offered tips on planning for the future of broadband, while cautioning attendees that aspects of the E-rate program are in political jeopardy.

The City Council is considering a proposed policy on electric bicycles that would classify them as a “non-motorized use” permissible on trails open to other bikes. Civic leaders, however, say residents should get to vote.