A year ago, Microsoft launched its Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals to help protect hospitals serving more than 60 million people from a range of cyber threats. Since the launch, more than one-third of all rural hospitals have enrolled in the program, which provides access to security technology, training, and support. Microsoft is also working with rural hospitals to help them access the clinical and operational benefits of AI.
You can learn more about building rural health resiliency here. You can also help by sharing this information and registration page with a rural hospital.
Thank you for reading! Below, check out the latest tech policy news and this week’s featured podcast.
This Week in Washington
- FedScoop: The Department of the Interior is considering using AI to help manage its probate case backlog. As of now, there are more than 48,000 unresolved probate cases on tribal lands.
- CyberScoop: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) withdrew cyber rules for investment companies and advisers. The rules had included guidance on AI use and outsourcing.
- The Hill: Republican lawmakers continue to debate the AI regulation moratorium included in the reconciliation bill. While some GOP Members support the proposal, others have expressed concern over federal overreach.
- Punchbowl News: Senators Deb Fischer (R-IA) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) have relaunched a bipartisan working group focused on effective implementation of the Universal Service Fund—a government program that helps pay for internet in rural areas, schools, and libraries—and increasing rural connectivity to close the digital divide.
Article Summary
- Quantum Insider: At the annual G7 Leaders Summit this week, G7 nations announced a joint collaboration on advancing AI and quantum technology. The countries established a working group on quantum technology to coordinate activities.
- MIT Technology Review: AI presents new opportunities to improve urban planning and city operations, a new paper finds. This includes optimizing traffic signals and answering 311 calls.
- Broadband Breakfast: New Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program guidance will increase the importance of digital skill development in the broadband industry. The need had already been compounded by the 2024 expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
- CNN: Washington Post journalists’ email accounts were hacked this weekend in what is likely a targeted operation. The Post’s internal systems were not breached.
Featured Podcast
- Afternoon Cyber Tea
Yonatan Zunger, Corporate Vice President and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft joins Ann Johnson to discuss the evolving cybersecurity landscape shaped by generative and agentic AI. (Security and Agentic AI – June 2, 2025) – 23 minutes and 45 second listen