Data Privacy

How to use generative AI to improve operations while protecting sensitive data

COMMENTARY | Large language models like ChatGPT offer state and local agencies exciting new capabilities, but they also introduce new security risks.

  • By Mike Morper

DELETE Act closes ‘big loophole’ and tightens regulations on data brokers

California is the first state to allow residents to request that data brokers delete their personal data, but some worry it will be difficult to implement and enforce.

  • By Chris Teale

States advance data privacy laws as issue evades Congress

In the absence of federal action on data privacy standards, several states have stepped up. But some warned that could create a patchwork of laws and result in a compliance nightmare for businesses.

  • By Chris Teale

3 low-risk, low-budget ways state and local governments can protect their data

COMMENTARY | By taking advantage of federal resources and leaning into autonomous technology and cybersecurity education, agencies can keep constituent data safe.

  • By Joye Purser

Creating a framework for secure-by-design software development

COMMENTARY | State and local IT leaders can proactively address potential threats by prioritizing throughout the development process, regularly evaluating data security policies and keeping an inventory of software components.

  • By Joel Krooswyk

Handprints for IDs? State liquor board discusses biometrics for alcohol sales

Tech from Amazon and other companies makes the age verification option possible. Privacy advocates have concerns.

  • By Laurel Demkovich, Washington State Standard

US agencies buy vast quantities of personal information on the open market

COMMENTARY | The government faces legal restrictions on how much personal information it can gather on citizens, but the law is largely silent on agencies purchasing the data from commercial brokers.

  • By Anne Toomey McKenna, The Conversation

Lawmakers concerned White House will let TikTok stay in the US

Two Republican lawmakers warned that tweaked language in a new Commerce Department rule could lay the groundwork for TikTok’s proposal to store U.S. users’ data in the country.

  • By Edward Graham

The government has a controversial idea to track mental health crisis calls

The national 988 hotline may start pinpointing callers, a move opponents say could lead to forced intervention and violate caller trust.

  • By Colin Lecher, The Markup

3 Simple Steps to Improve Digital Government

COMMENTARY | A customer-centric approach to digital government can help agencies connect more individuals and families with critical services and strengthen the bonds of trust between government and those they serve.

  • By Michele Causey

ChatGPT’s Other Risk: Oversharing Confidential Data

As many as 6.5% of employees have pasted their organization’s data into ChatGPT, and 3.1% have copied and pasted sensitive data to the program, recent research showed.

  • By Susan Miller

Watchdog Urges States to Use ‘Extreme Caution’ on Facial Recognition

The use of facial recognition in unemployment insurance programs has spread across states, raising concerns from the Labor Department's watchdog about access and privacy.

  • By Natalie Alms
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Social Media Age Verification Faces Practicality, Privacy Challenges

Utah recently approved legislation designed to restrict minors’ use of the platforms, but critics say the effort is unworkable and could leave personal information vulnerable to hackers.

  • By Chris Teale

States Want to See Some Digital ID Before You Visit That Porn Site

Louisiana requires age verification software to prevent minors viewing adult content. Even as the law has inspired copycat legislation, critics are raising privacy and free speech concerns.

  • By Chris Teale

A Governor Imposes a TikTok Ban for State Government

The move comes as the app faces increased scrutiny in the U.S. over its ties to the Chinese government.

  • By Molly Bolan

States Have Work to do Making Identity Verification User Friendly

COMMENTARY | New survey findings highlight the difficulties and concerns that emerge as people try to sign up for state benefits. The poll also found people are more inclined to trust industry than government when it comes to enrolling in services and programs.

  • By John Zogby

Lax State Data Privacy Rules May Expose Consumer Location Information

With states now free to enforce their own data privacy laws, regulators are on the lookout for mobile carriers sharing users' sensitive location details.

  • By Mariam Baksh

Surveillance is Pervasive: Yes, You are Being Watched, Even if No One is Looking For You

There is a large market for personal data, compiled from information people volunteer, information people unwittingly yield – for example, via mobile apps – and information that is stolen in data breaches.

  • By Peter Krapp, The Conversation

Online Data Could be Used Against People Seeking Abortions if Roe v. Wade Falls

COMMENTARY | Women in states where abortion becomes illegal who rely on the internet for information, products and services related to reproductive health would be subject to online policing.

  • By Nora McDonald, The Conversation

Governments Tapping Facial Recognition To Prove You’re You. Why That Raises Concerns

The move by states and the federal government promises to cut down on fraud, but at what cost?

  • By James Hendler, The Conversation

Treasury Considers State and Local Grants to Implement Digital ID Systems

The effort to stimulate widespread use of digital identification is aligned with a White House order on cybersecurity and could help defend against ransomware attacks, officials said.

  • By Mariam Baksh