California became the 1st state to allow people to have their personal data deleted from databrokers. SB 362 (2023 | CA)
Route Fifty | DELETE Act closes ‘big loophole’ and tightens regulations on data brokers
Why should governments switch to .gov?
.gov domain names should be the go-to for governmental entities. Why you ask? Because .gov domains have required multi-factor authentication requirements. 1000s of state, local, and tribal government agencies not currently utilizing the .gov domain.
state officials banning followers on social media
The US Supreme Court this past week heard arguments about elected officials banning followers on social media. What emerged as the key issue is what is official state action?
Route Fifty | Social media cases hinge on definition of what amounts to state action online
SCOTUSBLOG | Justices weigh rules for when public officials can block critics on social media
cyber workforce numbers
A new study says that the global cybersecurity workforce increased by 5.5% in 2022. There is still a 13% shortage and 4 million workers are needed. 75% of cybersecurity professionals say it is the most challenging threat landscape of the last five years.
constituent data : 4 questions to ask before sharing
71% of Americans say they are worried about government use of personal data. A new report in the International Journal of Population Data Science, poses these 4 questions to determine whether data should be shared:
Is this legal? Is this ethical? Is this a good idea? How do we know (and whodecides).
Route Fifty | 4 questions to ask before sharing constituent data
MetroLab Network
Bonjour, MetroLab Network. The group is developing a tangible policy guide for AI use by local governments. The task force is made up of representatives from more than 45 local governments, 15 universities, 20 private-sector organizations, including Center for Open Data Enterprise (CODE) and the U.S. Department of Commerce. They have compiled a resource guide here until a final guide is published in April 2024.
Government Technology | How Can Local Governments Safely Use Generative AI?
can tech improve affordable housing?
Santa Barbara County is testing 3D printing for affordable housing. We’ve infohived about 3D printing houses and neighborhoods. Santa Barbara County wants to use 3D tech for affordable housing. Greeley, Colorado has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build 3D printed affordable housing. Chattanooga, Tennessee wants to use 3D printing for homeless shelters.
Route Fifty | County tests feasibility of 3D-printed affordable housing
31 community innovation hubs
31 community innovation hubs were announced by the Biden Administration to advance a range of technologies, including autonomous systems, quantum computing, biomedicine and green energy. Organizations include state and local governments, educational institutions, businesses and community groups in 32 states and Puerto Rico. 1/3 of the hubs must benefit small and rural communities.
Route Fifty | 31 communities tapped as innovation hub finalists
the first local government a.i. program
New York City became the first major local government to create an a.i. action plan for responsible municipal government use of artificial intelligence. It includes a.i. literacy programs, streamlined and specific procurement guidelines to support agency-level contracting, and the “potential to better deliver vital services while protecting New Yorkers’ privacy and concerns about bias.”
a.i. use by elected officials
Imagine an elected official who uses artificial intelligence to create videos of themselves explaining policies in languages that they don’t speak. Is that a deep fake prohibited by law? Is that a means of communicating with constituents? What are the ethical considerations surrounding this? no one knows.