Author Archive
Chris Teale
People
Feds intensify screen time scrutiny in schools
The FCC will vote later this month to study whether its E-Rate program is fulfilling its goal of improving educational outcomes, rather than subsidizing kids’ misuse of devices.
Artificial Intelligence
Report shows steady, yet uneven, AI adoption across US
Microsoft said the lag can be attributed to urban adoption being double what it is in rural areas, though college towns are another powerful diffuser of the technology.
Cybersecurity
New federal privacy bill called a ‘consensus’ of existing state laws
Congress is trying again for a national data privacy standard that would preempt current regulations in 22 states, but opponents argue a patchwork is better than this effort.
Digital Government
Policies to close digital divide must pass ‘kitchen table test,’ nonprofits say
Several groups said communities that lack connectivity must be the ones to shape policies to benefit them, and they urged the federal government to step up with money and training.
People
Education leader proposes stronger restrictions on AI and screentime
Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, said students are “drowning in tech” that is disrupting their lives, and policymakers need to get a handle on it.
People
Massachusetts establishes nation’s first union for ride-hailing drivers
The state’s almost 70,000 drivers can now join the App Driver’s Union, following voter approval of the right to unionize in November 2024 via ballot question.
Cybersecurity
Israeli researchers link Iran government to LA Metro cyberattack
Security company Gambit said the March hack could be traced to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, rather than a hacktivist group that had previously claimed responsibility.
Customer Experience
Disability advocates sue over website accessibility delays
The National Federation of the Blind sued the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services after a rule requiring government websites to be accessible was delayed for a year.
Cybersecurity
State leaders renew call for cyber grant program’s renewal
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is facing down a September deadline for reauthorization. Without it, officials warned that current efforts would lose momentum.
People
How Dayton’s citizens’ assembly showed a new path for community engagement
The Ohio city already has a long history of civic participation, but the prospect of a new hospital on its west side made officials want to get residents involved in a new way.
Artificial Intelligence
Water, electricity remain major data center concerns, survey says
Zencity found that the more familiar someone is with AI, the more inclined they are to support data centers. But residents’ trust that local governments will be open about the centers’ impacts is slipping.
Featured eBooks
People
Advocates pledge action to restore digital equity grants
One year after President Donald Trump rescinded the funds, various groups and lawmakers have kicked off a month of action to push for their restoration.
Cybersecurity
‘No time to waste’ in prepping governments for AI cyber threats, top Dem lawmaker says
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the Department of Homeland Security to work closer with states and localities, and bemoaned the end of federal funding to an information-sharing center.
Digital Government
Website accessibility remains ‘slow-moving crisis’ despite rule delay, experts warn
Disability advocates are dismayed about the DOJ's one-year delay on its rule, while government leaders are calling for accessibility work to accelerate ahead of the new deadline.
Artificial Intelligence
More states look to preempt local AI laws, report finds
The Local Solutions Support Center found that a dozen bills in nine states look to limit local regulations and promote a so-called “right to compute,” backed by a powerful conservative group.
Digital Government
How Mississippi’s revenue department optimized tech without cloud
The effort has not been without its challenges, but the agency responsible for taxes, software and alcohol now has “modularity and fungibility” to adapt.
Digital Government
Feds create controversial bidding portal for E-Rate
The FCC said the new rules would bring integrity and transparency to the program, but schools and libraries said it is a “solution in search of a problem.”
Digital Government
How Broadcom’s VMware buy meant a ‘fundamental shift’ for county tech
Leaders said the 2023 acquisition has led to negative changes in licenses, pricing and support, with many now considering moving away from the longtime vendor.
People
State CIOs are more change leaders than techies, report says
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found its members are being asked to simultaneously keep systems running and innovate, with tech expertise far less important.
Cybersecurity
State cyber officials’ confidence is down, survey finds
The study by NASCIO and Deloitte found that just 26% of respondents are extremely or very confident they can protect themselves from cyber threats, down from 48% in 2022.
