Monthly Archives: February 2022

What is happening? 45 organizations including the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the Algorithmic Justice League, Fight for the Future, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Project on Government Oversight are calling on state and federal government to cease using 3rd party digital identification systems, ID.me. Why is this important? There is no comprehensive law […]

What is happening? The IRS has stopped verifying identities with facial recognition software because it as using a 3rd party product and the government has an identity verification program. (e.g. don’t give 3rd parties access) Why is this important? At the heart of this is the concept that  “digital identity management a “core government service.” […]

What is happening? The City of Baltimore is expunging data collected by a now defunct low level  surveillance plane program. Why is this important? Expunging this data is complicated. During the time the planes flew, 1,532 crimes were committed, only 158 crimes that relied on evidence from the planes, and 38 crimes were cleared with […]

What is happening? The FBI has formed a new team dedicated to cryptocurrency Why is this important? The FBI team will coordinate with the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team in relation to cyber crimes. How will this be important? The policy objective is to allow digital currencies to grow will limiting the illicit use of cryptocurrency. […]

What is happening? Coinbase’s app downloads increased by 309% week-over-week after its Super Bowl ad Why is this important? Crypto regulation is in its infancy How will this be important? Crypto usage and purchase will drive policy. TechCrunch | Super Bowl ads boosted crypto app downloads by 279%, led by Coinbase

What is happening? Congressman Josh Gottheimer proposes legislation to “designate certain digital currencies as “qualified” stablecoins if they can be redeemed on a one-for-one basis for U.S. dollars.” Why is this important? Stablecions would be backed by banks or designated reserve assets in a non-bank. How will this be important? Concerns include : “that a […]

What is happening? The BlockCain Council of Texas estimates 27 bitcoin mining companies in Texas. One of those companies, Geosyn Mining expects to operate 531 mining machines. Why is this important? Texas as Bitcoin Fund in operation and  two new natural gas-powered bitcoin mining facilities in Texas How will this be important? Over the next […]

What’s happening? PA had a COVID tracing contractor data breach that resulted in SB 696 (2022 | PA) that would require governmental entities, including school districts, to disclose known data breaches within 7 days to those impacted Why is this important? The bill was amended to include 3rd party vendors. How will this be important? […]

What’s happening? NH Governor Sununu has created a Cryptocurrency Commission. Why is this important? The Commission will make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on the state of regulation for cryptocurrency in NH. How will this be important? TX currently has a study commission authorized but he Legislature. Hawaii’s default legislative position is a […]

What is happening? The Legislature in Hawaii must pass reauthorization legislation to permit cryptocurrency trading to continue in Hawaii Why is this important? In 2016, Hawaii’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs ruled that cryptocurrencies were regulated as money transmitters, which halted trading of cryptocurrencies How will this be important? SB 3025 (2022 | HI) […]