Tech Policy & Regulation
Analyze the intersection of law and technology. Stay updated on global compliance standards, government tech regulations, censorship laws, and evolving digital policies.
87 articles
UChicago Law Bans Laptops in Class, Returns to Paper Exams for First-Year Students
UChicago Law will ban laptops and phones for first-year students and require in-class exams starting this fall, citing AI disruption as the driving force behind the policy change.
EU Exempts Wearables From User-Replaceable Battery Mandate
The European Commission exempted wearable devices from user-replaceable battery rules. Batteries must still be replaceable by professionals. The change affects smartwatches, fitness trackers and smart glasses.
Australia's Free Daytime Electricity Program Reshapes Energy Use
Australia offers free electricity during daytime hours, a policy aimed at reducing grid strain and promoting solar energy consumption.
UK Study on Teen Social Media Use Backs Ban Plans Despite VPN Concerns
A government-funded study shows teens benefit from less social media, supporting a planned under-16 ban. VPN usage data aims to address enforcement worries.
Building a Kids Internet: A New Approach to Child Safety Online
As lawmakers push bans and age verification, a growing movement proposes a dedicated public internet for children. The Kids Internet concept aims to create a safe, curated digital space.
NASA Faces Looming Crew Dragon Gap as ISS Retirement Nears
With Boeing's Starliner still grounded, NASA faces a single-provider risk for crew transport as the ISS retires and private space stations emerge.
NASA's New Draft RFP Sets High Bar for Private Space Stations
NASA released a draft RFP demanding rigorous capability from private space stations before 2030. Axiom Space and others face tight deadlines and funding challenges.
New York City's Click-to-Cancel Rule Targets Deceptive Subscription Practices
New York City will require companies to offer easy subscription cancellations starting Oct. 1, becoming the first U.S. city to do so.
Europe Tests Air Conditioners That Run Without Refrigerants
Europe is testing new cooling technologies that avoid chemical refrigerants entirely, using solid-state, magnetic and elastocaloric methods. The shift could reduce environmental impact and energy use.
Ireland's Data Center Boom Strains National Power Grid
Irish datacenters now consume 23% of the country's electricity, raising concerns about grid stability and climate targets.
Ireland’s Data Center Power Demand Nears Residential Levels Despite Grid Curbs
Ireland’s data centers consumed 23% of national electricity in 2025, nearly matching household use. This surge continues despite regulatory restrictions.
FCC Approves Orbital Mirror Satellite, Sparking Concerns Over Night Sky Pollution
The FCC approved a startup's space mirror satellite that reflects sunlight to Earth, prompting criticism from astronomers and environmentalists.
SpaceX Seeks Approval for 100,000 New Satellites to Supercharge Starlink Capacity
SpaceX has filed plans to deploy 100,000 additional Starlink satellites, aiming to multiply network bandwidth by 100 times, pending regulatory approval.
Sheep Grazing on Solar Farms Boosts Farmer Income
Agrivoltaics allow sheep to graze under solar panels, creating a new revenue stream for farmers while improving land efficiency.
FCC Approves Orbital Mirror Satellite to Beam Sunlight to Earth at Night
The FCC approved a satellite that aims to reflect sunlight to Earth after dark. The Eärendil-1 mission could transform nighttime energy but raises light pollution concerns.
China Accuses Claude Code of Backdoors in Escalating AI Security Clash
China's government warns Anthropic's Claude Code contains backdoors sending user data to remote servers, escalating US-China AI tensions despite the tool being restricted in the region.
New US Trade Rule Forces Polestar’s Exit From American Market
Polestar is exiting the US market by 2027 after a federal ban on Chinese connected vehicle software. The decision leaves thousands of owners uncertain about service and resale value. Dealers must now plan for life without new Polestar inventory.
Damaged Earth Catalog Ignites Hacker News Discussion on Environmental Tracking
A new project called Damaged Earth Catalog catalogs environmental damage. The Hacker News community is debating its approach and potential impact.
Google Introduces AI Transparency Labels for Ads on Search and YouTube
Google adds AI disclosure labels to ads on Search, Discover and YouTube. The label appears in My Ad Center and is automatic for Google's own AI tools but manual for third-party tools.