Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

SB1236 (2023 |AZ) was vetoed by the Arizona Governor because the bill would have prevented local policymaking about emergent and potentially energy intensive economic activity. The industry says the bill would have stopped local authorities from imposing taxes on individuals and businesses running blockchain nodes.  Coin Telegraph | Arizona governor vetoes bill targeting taxes on […]

NYC is proposing ordinances to ban facial recognition software for use by businesses who use it to track customers and ban its use by residential buildings. Currently the only other city limiting private sector use of facial recognition software is Portland, Oregon. Bloomberg Law | NYC Lawmakers Seek Ban on Facial Scans to Identify Customers […]

Italy banned ChatGPT because it couldn’t verify user ages, couldn’t prove it wasn’t violating copyright laws, and generally had no legal basis for doing what it does. The ban is being lifted if ChatGPT complies with rules concerning “transparency, the right of data subjects – including users and non-users – and the legal basis of […]

1000+ tech leaders and researchers have signed an open letter calling for a pause in artificial intelligence citing the profound societal risks. The signatories say the industry ethical standards,  Asilomar AI Principles, are not being followed. “Humanity can enjoy a flourishing future with AI. Having succeeded in creating powerful AI systems, we can now enjoy […]

The FDA has indicated it will stop approving medical devices with cyber security concerns. Beginning October 1, 2023 devices will have to meet cyber security requirements of the the FD&C Act, section 524B “Ensuring Cybersecurity of Devices.” FDA | Cybersecurity in Medical Devices: Refuse to Accept Policy for Cyber Devices and Related Systems Under Section […]

SB 1751 (2023 | TX) would not only limit crypto mining in state demand response programs, but would also prohibit tax abatements for crypto mining. Decrypt | New Texas Senate Bill Seeks to Slash Bitcoin Mining Incentives

The Florida Governor has announced a plan to ban central bank digital currencies. He referred to cbdc’s as “woke ideology.” Also of note, a poll says 56% of Americans have a positive view of woke as being informed. Miami Herald | What does it mean to be ‘woke?’ Majority in the US have positive view, […]

 A report by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) and National Governors Association (NGA) tells us the if states prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in their recruitment, hiring and retention practices and collaborate with the private sector, academia, nonprofits and other stakeholders, states can build a pipeline of workers for the thousands […]

SF262 (2023 | IA) follows in the legislative footsteps of Colorado, Connecticut, Utah and Virginia. This consistency on notice requirements gained support from businesses and the Technology Association of Iowa. International Association of Privacy Professionals | Iowa set to finalize sixth US comprehensive state privacy law

Illinois wants to follow in New York’s footsteps and create a license for bitcoin. Fintech-Digital Asset Bill (HB 3479/SB 2233)  and Financial Protection Bill (HB 3483/SB 2232) The pair of bills will create a license and regulatory structure for cryptocurrency and will establish consumer protections. State of Illinois | IDFPR Announces Landmark Legislation to Launch […]