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.
202 articles

Swiss Government Drops Microsoft on 3,000 Federal Computers
Switzerland's federal government is replacing Microsoft software on thousands of computers, signaling a shift toward digital sovereignty.

News Publishers Escalate Legal Fight Against OpenAI and Microsoft
The Seattle Times and Newsday file copyright lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging unauthorized use of news articles for AI training. The cases add to a growing wave of legal challenges over AI training data.

Illegal Bitcoin Mining Site Leaked 3 Million Gallons, Forced School Closures
A Bitcoin mining data center in Oklahoma leaked 3 million gallons of water, closing schools and offices. The facility operated under a Stop Work Order since 2023.

Court Blocks Startup From Using Twitter Name in Win for Musk’s X
A federal judge ruled X likely still owns the Twitter trademark, blocking Operation Bluebird from launching an app under that name while litigation continues.

Federal Investigation Follows Tesla Cybercab Public Rider Launch
Tesla opened up its Cybercab to public riders as federal regulators launched a safety investigation into the autonomous vehicle's systems.

Face Recognition Verification Grows on Dating Apps
Dating apps are adopting face recognition to verify users and block scammers, but privacy advocates warn about biometric data collection.

New York City Imposes One-Year Ban on Generative AI in Schools
New York City bans generative AI for elementary and middle school students through a one-year moratorium for the 2026-2027 school year.

Tesla Cybercab Faces US Safety Probe Immediately After Launch
Tesla's Cybercab launched today but is already under US investigation for lacking steering wheel and pedals, raising questions about autonomous vehicle safety standards.

Police Pressure Axon to Redesign License Plate Cameras Amid Vandalism Surge
Law enforcement urges Axon to redesign Automatic License Plate Readers so they are not mistaken for Flock cameras, which have become common vandalism targets amid anti-surveillance backlash.

AI Cameras on Dallas Garbage Trucks Assign 'Blight Scores' to Homes
Dallas tests AI cameras on garbage trucks to issue blight scores, drawing resident and council pushback over privacy and fairness.

California Shields Linux and Open Source From Age Verification Mandates
California exempts Linux and open-source software from its age verification law, protecting developers and users from compliance burdens.

US Blocks Centralized AI Regulation at Global Forum
The United States is resisting international calls for strict AI regulations at a Global Forum. Officials argue a centralized approach could stifle innovation. The stance deepens the divide with European regulators.

California Bill Aims to Slash Solar Installation Costs With Plug-In Systems
California passed a bipartisan bill to streamline plug-in solar systems, potentially lowering installation costs. The bill awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature and could bring affordable systems by spring 2027.

Undersea Cables Reveal the Internet's Hidden Geopolitics
A Hacker News thread on 'The Cables That Connect the World' highlights the fragility and geopolitical tensions surrounding undersea fiber-optic cables. These cables carry over 95% of intercontinental data traffic.

BT's Copper Network Valued at $2 Billion as Scrap in Fiber Transition
BT's old copper landline network could fetch over $2 billion in scrap metal value as the UK shifts to fiber.

ICE Plan to Deploy Boston Dynamics Spot Robots Raises Surveillance Concerns
A DHS procurement notice reveals plans to acquire Boston Dynamics SPOT robots for ICE, valued at up to $2 million, sparking debate over federal robotic surveillance.

EU Designates ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox for Strictest Digital Oversight
The EU classifies ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms, triggering tougher DSA rules on content moderation and algorithmic transparency.

US Army Tests High-Energy Laser Against Drones Near Mexico Border
The US Army tested a high-energy laser system near the Mexico border successfully shooting down drones. This directed-energy weapon offers a new counter-drone capability for border security.

Alpharetta Police Shared Flock Data With Over 2,000 Organizations
An Atlanta suburb shared Flock license plate data with thousands of organizations, revealing the vast reach of automated surveillance networks.
