InfoHive – Data Security

The FCC reinstated net neutrality rules this week. Let’s refresh what net neutrality means.  “Under the new rules, content providers cannot be charged to have their data prioritized nor can content be subject to intentional blocking or slowdowns. “

Route Fifty | FCC reinstates net neutrality

Last week, hackers halted the work of New York Legislature’s bill drafting office. A new frontier in legislative challenges?

Spectrum News | State Legislature hit by apparent cyberattack

Wired tells us that there is such a thing as a robot dog flame thrower. Yes, this is for real— there’s a picture at the link. It is also legal in 48 states. Only Maryland, which required federal firearm license, and California, which limits flame throwers to 10 feet, restrict the robot dog flame thrower.  The robot dog shoots flames by bluetooth up to 30 feet. Clearly just what the world needed, their parents must be so proud of this “invention.”

Wired | Somehow This $10,000 Flame-Thrower Robot Dog Is Completely Legal in 48 States

A BYU law professor described Utah’s approach to AI legislation as a pragmatic light touch in its recent legislation session. Utah passed SB149 that requires disclosure of AI use, if asked; SB 131 that requires disclosure of AI in political ads; HB 366 that prohibits AI in criminal justice; and HB 249 that prohibits personhood for AI.

Tech Buzz | Utah Steps Forward with Simpler, Light-Touch AI Legislation

Louisiana is applying its approach to natural disasters, like hurricanes, to how it is approaching cybersecurity. This includes mobilizing the national guard and state agencies coordinating with local entities. All parties are use to the interactions as the protocols are just like they use to during natural disasters.

Route Fifty | How hurricane response helped one state’s cyber preparedness

Generative AI, like ChatGP, need electricity. A lot of electricity. The ability to electrify AI, and its datacenter cohorts, is the next big issue. @theeconomist

Tennessee passed the Elvis Act, to protect its musicians and artists from AI use. Tennessee is 1 of 3 states that considers names, photographs and likenesses a property right rather than a right of publicity.  @abcnews

Use of generative AI consists of 23% technical assistance and trouble shooting, 22% content creation and editing, 17% personal and professional support, 15% learning and education, 13% creativity and recreation, and 10% research, analysis and decision making. @harvard_business_review

 Effingham, Illinois has a plan to protect its property values from the impact of a forthcoming crypto mine.  The plan establishes regulations to protect property values, energy and water supplies, and noise. Effingham Public Works Director Greg Koester describes the regulations as “It provides definitions for cryptocurrency mine, cryptocurrency mining, data mining, data center, high-density load and establishes some regulations on where these particular uses can be and then some requirements that they need to abide by to be located in that area. It does require a site plan and a special use.”

Governing | Illinois City Approves New Regs for Cryptocurrency Mines and Data Centers

A unanimous Supreme Court determined that elected officials can block social media followers under very specific circumstances— that is their private account and then only if it has nothing to do with their government position. What’s the practical effect- yes, elected officials can be sued for violating  the First Amendment when they block their critics.

Scotusblog | Public officials can be held liable for blocking critics on social media