California
California regulator weakens AI rules, giving Big Tech more leeway to track you
Pressure from the governor preceded the AI regulation retreat. Big tech gets more leeway to help make decisions or target ads.
23andMe users’ genetic data is at risk, state AGs warn
State and federal laws may not protect consumers’ DNA information.
California city turns to AI to meet housing goals
By automating parts of the housing permitting process, officials in the city of Corona hope to reduce administrative burdens for staff and encourage development among consumers.
How California sent residents’ personal health data to LinkedIn
The state’s health insurance exchange transmitted pregnancy and domestic abuse data during a marketing campaign. It is reviewing its website practices.
Los Angeles turns to AI to give public benefits enrollment a boost
A chatbot tool launched in Los Angeles County looks to help case workers more quickly and efficiently get vulnerable residents linked to social services.
Virtual reality helps incarcerated people practice reentry to society in California
By enabling incarcerated individuals to practice their life and personal skills in virtual reality simulations, officials hope to help them succeed in society and reduce recidivism.
Progressives seek health privacy protections in California, but Newsom could balk
Democratic state lawmakers in California have proposed bills to protect women, transgender people, and immigrants in response to concerns that their health data could be used against them. If the measures reach his desk, Gov. Gavin Newsom could lay such legislation aside to focus on securing federal funds.
California has 30 new proposals to rein in AI. Trump could complicate them
President Donald Trump is taking a very different approach to AI than the Biden administration, and it could affect how California regulates artificial intelligence.
State fire agency taps augmented reality to train for ‘high-risk missions’
Augmented reality isn’t just for avid gamers. The technology is helping California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection prepare its flight crews for real-life emergencies like hoist rescues.
Kept in the dark: Inside a trio of Los Angeles school cyberattacks
A 74 investigative series: Meet the hired guns who make sure school cyberattacks stay hidden.
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California county taps tech to improve labor negotiations
Placer County has moved from spreadsheets to a software tool that helps officials conduct cost negotiations with labor groups more effectively.
California is investigating OpenAI’s conversion to a for-profit company
The state’s attorney general asked the company how it plans to transfer assets out of its charitable nonprofit.
California city taps AI to streamline government hiring
High vacancy rates have prompted Long Beach, California, to leverage artificial intelligence to give its hiring process a boost.
Fearing AI will take their jobs, workers plan a long battle against tech
At a landmark gathering in California, workers discussed defenses against artificial intelligence and surveillance technology.
Why California is revamping its benefits application websites
The GetCalFresh.org site, which helps residents apply for government food assistance, is shutting down. A new system aims to replace and improve it over the next year.
California bill would add warning labels to social media platforms
The proposal would warn users of the potential mental health impacts, but opponents say the plan will once again fall foul of the First Amendment’s free speech protections.
Landlords are using AI to raise rents — and cities are starting to push back
Federal prosecutors have accused software company RealPage of enriching itself "at the expense of renters who pay inflated prices."
Trump wants even looser AI guardrails. Why California, despite passing over 20 AI bills this year, might not push back
President-elect Trump has vowed to rescind an executive order that imposed AI safeguards, and could use tech to enable mass deportations. How far will California go in the other direction?
Inside mobile health clinic efforts to reach more residents, address gaps in care
To increase the accessibility and affordability of reproductive health care, local health departments are giving the green light to mobile solutions.
California to kick off first open enrollment season with automated system
The state piloted using artificial intelligence to help with automatic enrollment. Now this year’s open enrollment period is underway, the new system faces its first test.
