Monthly Archives: May 2021

What’s happening? The European Commission wants tech companies to block accounts sharing disinformation and ban those that regularly post debunked content Why is this important? In 2018 the big tech companies and the EU signed the its Code of Practice on Disinformation, a voluntary pact signed by the world’s largest social media companies to stop the […]

What’s happening? The  NewDEAL Forum created its Broadband Task Force to identify obstacles to broadband access Why is this important? Investment in broadband is an investment in the future of a state. States are funding, mapping broadband access, and working to build out broadband access to their most rural areas. How will this be important? Broadband access […]

What’s happening? Florida Governor signed its version of the “twitter bill” that prohibits immediately suspending a social media account, providing 30 day grace period. If no 30 day warning period is given, fines can be $250,000 for statewide candidates and $25,000 for other candidates. Why is this important? Florida has a new resident who is […]

What’s happening? OH Legislature passed HB 2 (2021 | OH) that created Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program. Why is this important? COVID revealed that nearly 1 million Ohioans lack access to reliable high-speed internet service How will this be important? The grant program sets aside $20 million, and an additional $190 million is anticipated […]

What’s happening? Compass Mining,  the world’s first online marketplace for Bitcoin mining hardware and hosting, is joining Texas BlockChain Council. Why is this important? Compass Mining wants in on the action of education legislators How will this be important? They smell fresh meat and the fresh meat is the Texas Legislature Accesswire | Compass Joins […]

What’s happening? Hackers obtained law enforcement details and data for DC law enforcement officials. When negotiations broke down, the data and officer information was released. Why is this important? In practical terms, release of specific law enforcement information could impact prosecutions and courts. How will this be important? This is just the beginning CNN | […]

What’s happening? Florida has 18 different sports betting bills floating around its Legislature. None have data security provisions. And, if like Florida your state has tribal gaming, the Compact allow the tribes to set data security standards. Why is this important? Does the sports betting law or legislation in your state include a data security […]

What’s happening? North Carolina Legislature approved an exception to warrant process to allow law enforcement to track cell phone data in real time if there is risk of death or serious body harm. Why is this important? It is these types of constitutional issues where Libertarian leaning Republicans and ACLU agree. Because of that, oversight […]

What’s happening? New York Legislature is considering S6486 (2021 | NY) that would prohibit bitcoin mining because of the environmental concerns. Why is this important? NY will take 3 years to study the environmental impact. The industry says “A single cryptocurrency transaction uses the same amount of energy that an average American household uses in […]

What’s happening? Ransomware hackers took over the Colonial Pipeline which led to gas station shortages in the Southeast Why is this important? The pipeline owner paid $5 million in ransom to get gas flowing again. The lingering question is whether by paying the ransomware will other bad actors feel empowered? How will this be important? […]