Tech industry group seeks to block reworked Arkansas social media law
The earlier law and the reworked version would have required age verification to create new social media accounts. A federal judge declared the 2023 law unconstitutional and permanently blocked it in April.
South Dakota looks to space for final stretch of high-speed internet access initiative
The state will soon receive $72 million in federal funds to support satellite internet for more than 2,000 locations in need of broadband.
NJ bill targets social media companies promoting diet products to children
A bill sponsor said social media companies must have safeguards in place to protect young users from content that promotes eating disorders.
Texas shares entire voter registration list with the Trump administration
Texas turned over data on more than 18 million voters, including partial Social Security numbers, as Democrats raise questions about voter privacy.
This year’s top trends in aerial imagery, AI and GIS
COMMENTARY | These technologies will propel state and local governments forward in 2026, and will transform how they understand realities, anticipate risks and protect their communities.
States continue to explore solutions to federal rule changes for public benefit programs
States must consider new data sources and approaches to ensuring their benefit systems are on track to comply with impending changes to the Medicaid and SNAP program, one expert says.
Kentucky attorney general’s lawsuit says AI company ‘preys’ on youth
The suit alleges the company has violated the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, the Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act and other laws.
New Jersey lawmakers OK plan to charge data centers for spiking electric costs
Data centers, which are driving higher electric costs in New Jersey, would face new tariffs under a plan legislators advanced Thursday.
Texas county looks to task force to help close digital divide
Harris County, the most populous in the state, established its broadband task force in November to advise on projects, initiatives and other efforts to boost connectivity.
Defense law includes expanded counter-drone authority
The National Defense Authorization Act included legislation to reauthorize federal agencies’ authority to bring down drones through 2028 and help state and local agencies do the same.
How Californians can use a new state website to block hundreds of data brokers
A tool called DROP lets California residents fill out a few forms to keep their personal data from being tracked or sold by data brokers.
Worried about surveillance, states enact privacy laws and restrict license plate readers
As part of its deportation efforts, the Trump administration has made a push for personal data.
How preemption worsens the AI accountability gap
COMMENTARY | The federal government wants to stop states regulating the technology, but doing so risks various harms and does not guarantee international leadership.
Budget uncertainty could hamper state and local tech skills development
States and localities must find alternative ways to support their digital inclusion efforts amid budget cuts, experts say.
New Jersey’s innovation office first to be enshrined in state law
In his final weeks in office, Gov. Phil Murphy codified the state’s digital delivery team, which is now known as the New Jersey Innovation Authority.
California tax revenue getting a boost from AI boom — but for how long?
As talk of a possible AI bubble grows, so does uncertainty around an important source of California tax money.
The data center rush in Appalachia
Big tech eyes coal country as AI demand soars, but rural communities push back.
States’ efforts to protect sensitive data from the feds could ramp up in the new year, experts say
Legal and policy pressure could be a key tool for states looking to shield their residents’ personal data from the federal government.
Leaders have ‘urgent responsibility’ on AI regulation and use, report says
The New Deal Forum lauded several state and local governments for embracing the technology to help improve government services. But areas like privacy, security and regulation need more attention, the group said.
2026 is set to be the year of agentic AI, industry predicts
Leaders from major technology companies said their clients are asking for more specific agentic AI solutions, and cloud computing and data transformation will pave the way.
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