Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

Emerging technology, quantum computing, we walked through the Einstein-ness of it all in January. Now here comes the government funding opportunities. Meet the Quantum Economic Development Consortium required by the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act, which called for the Department of Commerce to establish a group of quantum stakeholders. Colorado and Illinois crafted their own quantum initiatives.  Route Fifty | How states […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]