Privacy
Coverage of the way technology is changing the kinds of data state and local government collects about citizens, how it uses that data and the ethical and security implications of that. Includes stories about police body cameras, facial recognition, artificial intelligence, medical data, surveillance, etc., as well as privacy policy nationwide.
Spurred by growing public concern over data privacy, some of which is supported by nonprofit research, Tutor.com and other ed-tech companies have come under the microscope by state and federal leaders.
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.
Pixevety's child privacy platform to help schools manage image galleries that contain students is compliant with strict European Union privacy laws that define personal data, accountability measures and security requirements.
On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a ban on social media for kids under 16 and lawmakers introduced new legislation that would let 14- and 15-year-olds access social media with a parent’s consent. The ban would still apply to children 13 and under.
After lengthy contract talks, the city will keep the gunshot detection system in place through September. But critics say it disproportionately harms people of color and some attorneys argue it shouldn’t be used in court cases.
The bill would bar people under 16 from setting up accounts on most social media platforms. House Speaker Paul Renner and Gov. Ron DeSantis are collaborating to address the latter’s concerns, which include protecting parental rights.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board worked with the Nevada Office of the Chief Information Officer to move its website to a new platform, after a cyber incident in late January. An investigation found no personal information was accessed.
The Chelan County Public Utility District, which serves around 50,000 customers, said the incident kept a nationwide vendor from mailing and emailing statements last week. It’s unclear whether personal information was compromised.
The Kettering Police Department, outside Dayton, Ohio, will dramatically increase its use of automated license plate readers this year. Capacity is expected to rise by 300 percent.
As we head into the rest of 2024 and the buzz around artificial intelligence continues unabated, here's advice on how government can make practical use of the new tech — and ensure it remains secure in the process.
