Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

What is happening? The Texas Attorney General announced a lawsuit against Google for unlawfully capturing and using the biometric data of millions of Texans without properly obtaining their informed consent. Why is this important? Texas has a Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act that prohibits the capturing of biometric data for “exploitation of the […]

What is happening? A California Court has determined that releasing gun owner data to academic researchers violates their data privacy. Why is this important? A California state law (AB 173 | 2021 | CA) permits sharing names and other identifying information of gun owners to researchers studying the effectiveness of gun-violence restraining orders. Government Technology […]

What is happening? The Mayor of Seattle has supported gun shot locating technology for nearly a decade since he was a city council member. The technology installs microphones and triangulates the sound. One of the apps, ShotSpotter, claims a 97% effective rate. Meanwhile in Dayton, OH the city will not renew its ShotSpotter contract because […]

What is happening? North Dakota is struggling to hire and retain cybersecurity specialists. To help the state hire, when cyber experts can make more in the private sector, the state is: Partnering with colleges and universities by creating student security operations centers Creating apprentice and internship initiatives Allowing for fully remote work Cutting the requirement of […]

What is happening? A new report from National Association of State Chief Information Officers and Deloitte says the best way for states to be prepared for data threats is to work closely and share information with local governmental entities and higher education institutions. There is a $1 Billion federal grant program to help. Why does […]

What is happening? Hollister Co, or what ever teenager knows as Abercrombie & Fitch Co, is implementing Share2Pay, so kids can share their carts with their parents, who will foot the bill. Fun. Retailers are looking for means to convert cart abandonment into sales. Why does this matter? Its like Amazon Teen or Apple Ask […]

What is happening? State Officials in Texas have publicly welcomed crypto mining to Texas earlier this year. Rural Texas is lapping it up because it represents a new tax base. The new crypto tax base is allowing property taxes reductions, sheriff pay increases, money for bridges and roads, and better services. Why does this matter? […]

What is happening? Never did I anticipate typing Kim Kardashian into this curate information aggregating site. Here we are the SEC this week levied a fine of $1.26 million for failing to disclose to her Instagram followers that she was financially compensated for promoting EthereumMax. The fine was announced by the SEC Chair in a […]

What is happening? California Governor has signed AB1242 (2022 | CA) that prevents California tech companies from responding to warrants concerning geolocation data, search histories and other personal information in response to out-of-state search warrants unless there is a statement that sys this information is not related to abortion related services. Why does this matter? […]

What is happening? People are talking about the democratization of the municipal market. If people can buy municipal debt at amounts lower than $5K, say $100, you’ve crowd funded municipal debt. We’ve talked this space about Berkeley CA talking about issuing micro bonds relying on blockchain. Why does this matter? China is already democratizing debt […]