Author Archive
Chris Teale
Cybersecurity
Texas investigates 2 major data breaches
Around 3 million hunting and fishing license customers in the state had their data exposed, according to a recent notification, while another 800,000 cruise line customers had their data breached.
Artificial Intelligence
Business group calls for better coordination as California adopts AI
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group said state and local agencies should coordinate better on the technology and go deeper in evaluating whether the tools and systems are effective.
Cybersecurity
Inside Indiana’s cybersecurity education expansion
The initiative is the first in the nation to also strive to connect students with military service, in addition to careers and higher education.
Artificial Intelligence
Worries mount about another state AI law preemption
Another federal bill — this time in the Great American AI Act — has state lawmakers on edge that Congress will once again try to take away their powers to legislate.
Digital Government
Feds praise BEAD’s progress, but others aren’t convinced
The NTIA touted the program’s first-ever connections and said more is to follow. Some Democrats in Congress said the agency is being evasive about what happens to leftover funds.
Artificial Intelligence
Former New Jersey official argues AI could strengthen, not weaken, democratic institutions
Beth Simone Noveck, a former top AI official in New Jersey, recently released a new book that explains how the technology can help government work better and restore trust in it.
Cybersecurity
Cyber framework harmonization is a thorny, yet not intractable issue, experts say
Those inside and outside government agree harmonizing and streamline cyber regulations would save time and compliance costs. A consensus might be emerging around what to do next.
Digital Government
Attacks on telecom infrastructure are growing, report says
Industry groups found that over 18,000 incidents were reported last year, which represented a 59% jump from 2024. Better enforcement and regulation could prevent it, the groups said.
Artificial Intelligence
Data center moratoriums gain ground in states and cities
Legislators in New York passed a bill imposing a one-year pause on new hyperscale data centers, while residents in one California city voted recently for a complete ban.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers wrestle with AI’s opportunities, challenges in higher education
As the technology roils campuses nationwide, a House subcommittee debated how to form policies around its use to ensure it does not replace students’ learning.
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.
Featured eBooks
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.
