Tech Policy Roundup – January 2025

Lawmakers in Washington, DC, and state capitals could take important policy action in 2025 that impacts tech and energy innovation, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the adoption of technology. Microsoft Alumni Network members are encouraged to be part of the conversation by signing up for Voices for Innovation today!

Several nominees and appointees have been named who will help shape tech policy in the new Administration. Key people to watch include Andrew Ferguson as chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Brendan Carr as chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and Gail Slater as head of antitrust enforcement at the Department of Justice. All of these agency leaders could guide policies impacting AI innovation and competition, among other issues.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025—signed into law on December 23, 2024—includes key tech investments that support AI innovation, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and national defense. Unfortunately, the compromise bill did not include the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), which would have expanded access to AI computing and datasets. The NAIRR, which has bipartisan support, may be taken up by the new Congress.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025—signed into law on December 23, 2024—includes key tech investments that support AI innovation, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and national defense. Unfortunately, the compromise bill did not include the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), which would have expanded access to AI computing and datasets. The NAIRR, which has bipartisan support, may be taken up by the new Congress.

ICYMI: Microsoft recently released a new paper on the current but rapidly changing U.S. generative AI landscape and its potential to drive substantial economic benefits. Increased labor productivity unlocked by AI could add as much as $3.8 trillion to the U.S. economy by 2038. The benefits will not just be economic, with AI having the potential to drive scientific breakthroughs and improve the health and well-being of Americans.

As Microsoft CVP and Deputy General Counsel Rima Alaily notes in a Microsoft on the Issues blog summarizing the report, “To fully realize the economic potential of gen AI, we must take a coordinated approach across industries, government, academia, civil society, and the workforce.” Collaboration that includes positive public policies for AI will help sustain our nation’s AI leadership and global competitiveness.

We want to cap off this month’s roundup by sharing a positive story about a new AI tool to help measure and protect biodiversity. Developed by Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, SPARROW—Solar-Powered Acoustic and Remote Recording Observation Watch—can monitor remote ecosystem health without disturbing wildlife. It’s one more example of the emerging power of AI to bring benefits to all of us—and our planet. You can read more about SPARROW in this blog.