This month, we want to share three developments in the world of tech policy with members of the Microsoft Alumni Network. Would you like to receive a weekly update of tech policy news and a featured podcast? Sign up for VFI’s weekly Executive Briefing newsletter
Senate Leader Presents AI Framework
In June, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced the “Safe Innovation Framework for AI Policy” to help Congress develop regulations for AI. The framework does not endorse any specific legislation, but it calls for prioritizing key goals, such as supporting security and innovation. The process of developing AI rules will include listening sessions so Congress can learn more from a wide range of experts and stakeholders. Here is coverage on this development from FedScoop, The Hill, and The Verge. VFI will be following this issue closely.
White House Announces Broadband Funding
Since 2017, Voices for Innovation has been active in supporting policies to help connect all Americans to broadband. The biggest victory in this effort was passage of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which established the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Last month, the White House announced how nearly $42.5 in BEAD funding will be divided among U.S. states and territories. Slowly but surely, our nation is closing the broadband gap. Here is coverage of this development and the White House Fact Sheet.
FTC Sues to Block Microsoft-Activision Deal
Late last month, Microsoft defended its acquisition of Activision Blizzard against the Federal Trade Commission in U.S. District Court. On July 11, a federal judge ruled against the FTC’s attempt to block the deal. The ruling allows Microsoft to complete the transaction as soon as this month, though the FTC could continue to oppose it despite the ruling. We’ll provide further updates in the next roundup.
About Voices for Innovation
VFI is a Microsoft-supported advocacy community that shares information about critical tech policy debates and encourages our members to participate in discussions about policies that shape innovation and the future of tech. We encourage Microsoft Alumni Network members to sign up for VFI today.