Monthly Archives: March 2021

What’s happening? Washington State is considering HB 1127 (2021 | WA) that would protect the COVID data that has been collected and assembled by a number of entities tracking the pandemic. Why is this important? This is a big test for protecting health care data and public health. The bill would limit the use of […]

What’s happening? Utah is considering HB 80 (2021 | UT) that would create an affirmative defense for businesses that keep their data protection up to date. There is no liability protection if the company acts negligently. Why is this important? Utah’s approach is different from OH that provided as long as businesses follow certain standards, […]

What’s happening? FEMA is increasing the allocation of grants for cybersecurity funding from 5% to 7.5% + DHS is eyeing new grant programs, administered through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, to support state and local government cybersecurity upgrades Why is this important? Cybersecurity incidents on local governments and state governments have increased and continue to […]

What’s happening? The Florida Governor and legislative leaders are proposing a Transparency in Tech bill that would: Publish standards used to ban posts, de-platform and shadow ban users. Provide equal access for established news organizations and qualified political candidates to reach users free from manipulation by algorithms. Stop arbitrarily censoring and/or de-platforming users. Give users […]

What’s happening? Virginia legislators sent their Governor legislation that would require a local law enforcement agency to receive approval from the State Attorney General before being authorized to use facial recognition software. HB 2031 (2021 | VA) Why is this important? The data repeatedly shows that facial recognition software misidentifies people who are Black, brown, […]

What’s happening? Minnesota legislature is considering a measure that would require Apple and Google to keep apps in their stores. if created in MN and are also sold on other platforms. Why is this important? AZ & GA are considering similar legislation “to level the playing field for developers and help them avoid sizable commissions […]

What’s happening? SB 5116 (2021 | WA) would prohibit the use of AI by the state Why is this important? Facial recognition software has been statistically shown to discriminate. Until we know whether an AI results in discrimination or unequal treatment, the policy goal is to keep the state out of AI How will this […]