Tech companies are spending more than ever on AI. This year alone big tech is projecting spending additional tens of billions on AI. This is up from the record AI spending in 2024. It also includes spending for data centers that support AI. Looking to Microsoft, it plans to spend $80 billion on AI data centers during its fiscal year that ends in June 2025.
Disclosing police use of AI
Utah is considering SB 180 (2025 | UT) that will require law enforcement agencies to create an AI policy. Disclosure of AI use would be required if AI is used in police reports. An actual human would be required to review the AI output.
Route Fifty | Utah lawmaker wants police to disclose when they use artificial intelligence
New State investment in quantum computing
Maryland is putting $1 billion toward growing quantum computing in the state and declared a “Capital of Quantum” public-private partnership. New Mexico announced that Quantinuum would build a new research and development center in the state.
Route Fifty | Jockeying intensifies for state quantum leadership
Quantum & AI focus at DOE
The new Department of Energy Secretary announced that the agency will focus on quantum computing and AI to “maintain America’s global competitiveness.” We’ve talked about state initiatives in quantum computing in Illinois, Indiana, Colorado’s quantum tax incentives, and the anticipated growth rate of quantum computing.
1st U.S. cybersecurity law program
The University of Indiana is offering a graduate certificate in cybersecurity law and policy. It began as a collaboration between the law school, Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering and Kelley School of Business. It eventually grew into the Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research.
UI | Students in nation’s first cybersecurity law program provide legal advice on evolving tech
U.S.’S 1st algorithm disclosure rule
Missouri Attorney General has instituted, by rule, the nation’s first requirement that social media companies offer algorithmic choice. The rule requires platforms to be transparent about the algorithms used and offer users the option to select alternatives.
Route Fifty | Missouri rule would require algorithm ‘transparency’ on social media
Crypto Executive Order
New Administration. New Executive Order on crypto currency. Strengthening American Leadership in digital financial technology establishes the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets which is designed to strengthen U.S. leadership in digital finance.
AI Executive Order 2025
New Presidential Administration. New AI Executive Order. “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” calls for the development of a plan for the administration’s approach to AI.
AI mitigation of lithium battery fires
On January 16th, a fire broke out at a lithium battery storage facility south of San Francisco. ” A study from the National Institute of Standards and Technology suggests that researchers have developed an artificial intelligence model that can identify the early stages of a lithium-ion battery fire — the moment when a safety valve in the battery’s hard casing breaks to release pressure from the swelling battery cell. ”
As a result of this battery storage facility fire, the California Public Utility Commission adopted a general order on battery storage safety.
Route Fifty | AI could help mitigate lithium battery fires, study finds
MULTISTATE AI POLICYMAKER WORKING GROUP
Let’s meet the MultiState AI Policy Working Group. Steering Committee members include
Alaska Senator Shelley Hughes (R)
California Privacy Protection Agency Deputy Director of Policy and Legislation Maureen Mahoney
Maryland Representative Katie Frye-Hester (D)
Minnesota Representative Steve Elkins (D)
Minnesota Representative Kristin Bahner (D)
Connecticut Senator James Maroney (D)
Colorado Senator Robert Rodriguez (D)
Florida Representative Fiona McFarland (R)
New York Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D)
Texas Representative Giovanni Capriglione (R)
Virginia Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D)