ai: profound risks

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 an “AI summer” in which we reap the rewards, engineer these systems for the clear benefit of all, and give society a chance to adapt. Society has hit pause on other technologies with potentially catastrophic effects on society.[5]  We can do so here. Let’s enjoy a long AI summer, not rush unprepared into a fall.”

Future of life institute | Pause Giant AI Experiments: An Open Letter

cyber concerns & medical devices

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 524B of the FD&C Act

banning cbdcs

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, study finds

Fortune Crypto | Ron DeSantis proposed a bill to ban CBDCs. A trade policy professor calls that ‘a little ludicrous’

The Hill | DeSantis goes after digital currency in attempt to ban federal effort

cyber workforce linked to diversity equity and inclusion

 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 of cybersecurity vacancies. The report also talks about states needing to modernize their workforce with  flexible schedules, remote work options and ways to address employee burnout and mental health challenges.

Route Fifty | State Cyber Workforce Challenges Reaching ‘Crisis Levels’

Illinois + New York = Bitlicense

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 Illinois Consumer Financial Protection into the Digital Age

Yahoo! Finance | Illinois Officials Pushing State Crypto Licensing to Emulate New York’s BitLicense

misinformation, electronic voting machines

Misinformation around elections has led to many states combatting misinformation. Naturally, Gallup wants peoples opinions on this. 40% of republicans think elections are accurate while 85% of democrats do. Overall 63% of Americans are confident in election results. This is the largest partisan gap since 2004.

Governing | State and Local Govs Prepare for 2024 Misinformation Fight