The quantum computing race is intensifying, with the Chinese government investing $15 billion in developing this emerging technology. In a blog published earlier this week, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith calls for the U.S. government to make new quantum research commitments so our nation maintains its quantum computing leadership, which is critical to our nation’s competitiveness and security.
Smith calls for a three-pronged policy approach that includes increasing funding for quantum R&D; promoting workforce development and STEM education; and ensuring supply chain security for quantum technologies. We encourage you to read the full blog, “Investing in American leadership in quantum technology: the next frontier in innovation.”
You’ll find news coverage of the latest tech policy developments below, along with a featured podcast. Thank you for reading.
This Week in Washington
- Associated Press: The House overwhelmingly passed the Take It Down Act, a bill that would make it illegal to “knowingly publish” or threaten to publish non-consensual intimate images, including AI-created “deepfakes.” The bill is now headed to President Trump’s desk for signature.
- Reuters: The Trump administration is working on changes to a Biden-era rule that would limit global access to AI chips. The changes would impact a rule that splits the world into tiers that determine the number of advanced semiconductors a country can obtain. Sources say the plan is still under discussion and could change, but if enacted, removing the tiers could open the door to using U.S. chips as an even more powerful negotiating tool.
- Broadband Breakfast: Industry groups are pushing the FCC to apply the CALM Act to streaming. The CALM Act — formally known as the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act — requires television providers to maintain consistent audio levels between programming and commercials.
- CyberScoop: The House has moved quickly to pass the Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act, a bill that would require the Department of Commerce to study national security issues posed by routers and modems controlled by U.S. adversaries.
Article Summary
- Wall Street Journal: Nvidia’s CEO recently claimed that all American companies will eventually need or become artificial intelligence factories and will create skilled U.S. jobs in the process. Huang also says the American data center building boom will create skilled jobs in areas like construction, steel working, and information technology and networking.
- StateScoop: A new California initiative focuses on using generative AI tools that improve traffic flow, road safety, and customer service. Part of this initiative will leverage AI to analyze the highway data and reduce congestion.
- New York Times: A federal judge this week ruled that Apple must loosen its grip on its App Store and stop collecting a commission on some app sales. This caps a landmark 5-year antitrust case brought by Epic Games
Featured Podcast
- WSJ Tech News Briefing
Big tech companies got at least a brief reprieve from the Trump administration’s latest tariffs. But WSJ personal tech columnist Nicole Nguyen explains how small tech companies and their customers could feel the squeeze. (Small Tech Faces Tariffs Squeeze – April 29, 2025)