Starting next year, with one party controlling both chambers of Congress, we could see a wide range of tech policy proposals advance. This means it will be more important than ever to follow the discussion, stay engaged, and have your voice heard as key tech policies are debated.
Many outlets covering tech policy continue to weigh in on what proposals might advance next year. Tech Policy Press (TPP) notes that, “Republicans are just as committed to viewing certain tech policy issues through the lens of national security and strategic competitiveness as Democrats.” TPP offers a good policy summary of several issues. Cybersecurity Dive looks at four policy topics: cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and the future of the CHIPS and Science Act. Raconteur considers several tech issues, including competition and AI.
You’ll find additional tech policy news and a featured podcast below. Thank you.
This Week in Washington
- CyberScoop: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued proposed cyber mandates that would expand and set in stone the emergency security directives issued after the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. This is likely one of the last major policy actions the Biden administration will take to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
- Nextgov: President-elect Donald Trump vowed to repeal a Biden administration executive order intended to create guardrails around AI. It is unclear what will happen next for the associated policies governing how federal agencies use AI, but anti-bias provisions in existing guidance may be on the chopping block.
- Washington Post: Federal lawmakers are heading back to Washington with a long to-do list on tech policy, including next steps for AI and child online safety. Congress is not expected to take up a comprehensive legislative AI package in the near future, but limited proposals on AI could still advance.
- Govtech: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has received 2,734 applications for its Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, representing more than $3.5 billion in funding requests. Over the course of the three-year pilot, the program will provide $200 million to select schools and libraries to cover the costs of cybersecurity upgrades.
Article Summary
- Newsweek: In a groundbreaking new project, the Vatican and Microsoft used AI to create a digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica to aid conservation efforts while still encouraging (virtual) exploration. The digital replica also allowed Vatican officials to identify structural damage such as deterioration and missing mosaics that are not visible to the naked eye.
- Mountain State Spotlight: A billion-dollar investment to expand high-speed broadband service across West Virginia is on hold as power companies push to charge internet providers for the costs of replacing worn-out power poles. Currently, one in four homes or businesses have cripplingly slow connection speeds or lack internet access entirely.
- WRIP: Nearly 900 current and former Providence Public School District students had their personal information “potentially exposed” during a hack detected in mid-September. The information includes student names, license numbers, grades, and even documents pertaining to students’ Individualized Education Program.
- The Verge: The password manager NordPass released its annual list of the world’s most popular passwords. NordPass said that it used a 2.5TB database of “publicly available sources” to create its list. Many of the passwords take milliseconds for a hacker to figure out, so it is recommended to change passwords if you use one that appears on the list.
Featured Podcast
- WSJ Tech News Briefing
Over four decades ago, Three Mile Island had a partial meltdown in its second reactor, but it was only in the last five years that the first reactor was shut down by the owner Constellation Energy. Now, Constellation Energy wants to turn the reactor back on to supply clean, reliable energy that can help meet the demand of AI models and data centers. Jennifer Hiller, a renewable energy reporter at Wall Street Journal, shares her insight into re-opening Three Mile Island and what it means for tech companies like Microsoft. (“AI Powers Three Mile Island’s Nuclear Plant Back to Life” – November 13, 2024)