Policy

The Maryland State Police’s model policy is intended as a template for other law enforcement. It largely mirrors state law but lacks extra guardrails sought by the state's ACLU. Local agencies can opt not to use it, or to add their own requirements.

Plus, the U.S. Senate passes new broadband legislation, more federal broadband funding proposals get approved, Seattle launches an interoperable multilingual application process for low-cost Internet, and more.

Steven Martin, a longtime IT executive in the southwest, will join Glendale, Ariz., later this month as its CIO. He brings public- and private-sector leadership experience to the role, where he will set the city's tech strategy and provide ongoing program analysis.

State CIO Craig Orgeron said he believes many young tech professionals have the desire to do public service. At the NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference, he talked about seemingly small changes that might attract those workers.

If Ohio enacts Alyssa’s Law, the state would spend $25 million to purchase silent alarm systems for public and private schools, including wearable panic buttons and automatic alerts for staff.

A law passed this year requires the state police to create a model policy for other Maryland departments, a guideline that some advocates hope will further limit facial recognition’s use as a policing tool.

As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, a longtime broadcast journalist and historian calls for addressing economic inequities, corporate monopolies and restoring effective governance to grow stronger.

Plus, Wisconsin has been awarded additional funding for digital equity causes, a new NTIA document offers guidance for native entities applying for Digital Equity Act funding, and more.

Amid rising concerns that X has become less safe under billionaire Elon Musk, the platform formerly known as Twitter is seeking to assure advertisers and critics that it still polices harassment.

The proposed ASIS International School Security Standard includes detailed recommendations for the use of technology such as panic buttons, surveillance cameras, AI and biometrics to improve school safety.

According to a summer survey by the EdWeek Research Center, 11 percent of district leaders reported a complete ban on smartwatches in their schools, while 34 percent said they're permissible under specific conditions.

OpenAI says there is a need for massive data centers that could each use as much power as entire cities, framing the unprecedented expansion as necessary to develop more advanced AI and compete with China.

Wilson, N.Y., will continue to weigh a 12-month halt to processing of any applications for permits related to battery energy storage systems often associated with “utility grade” solar energy projects.

More than 125 Hollywood actors, directors, producers, music artists and entertainment industry leaders have added their names to a letter released Tuesday to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

A youth advocacy group for safer online practices is pushing for tougher restrictions on social media after a House committee last week approved a watered-down version of a kids’ online safety measure.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation requiring districts to pass rules by July 1, 2026, to limit or ban students from using smartphones on campus or while students are under the supervision of school staff.

Data centers like the proposed one that sparked controversy in Fort Worth last week are putting a strain on power grids and water resources, and state lawmakers are considering restrictions on such facilities.

Following an investigation into potential security risks posed by Internet-connected vehicle technology, the Biden administration published a draft rule against Chinese and Russian-made car imports to start in 2027.