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.
333 articles
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.
Data Centers Face Rising Community Backlash as AI Boom Strains Local Resources
Data centers face growing opposition over energy, water, and noise. WIRED's livestream 'The Great Data Center Backlash' will explore the conflict.
Great Lakes Name Change Appears on Google Maps After Trump Order
Google Maps renames Lake Ontario to Lake America after Trump executive order, raising questions about political influence on digital mapping and geographic naming standards.
ChatGPT Conversations Lack Legal Protection in Court Proceedings
Users sharing sensitive information with ChatGPT may face legal exposure as courts can subpoena AI chat logs. No existing privilege protects these digital conversations.
HP Licenses Essential Wi-Fi Patents From Blacklisted Huawei
HP signs patent licensing deal with Huawei for essential Wi-Fi technology despite US trade restrictions on the Chinese firm.
Microsoft Data Center in New Jersey Faces Illegal Construction and Noise Complaints
A Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland, New Jersey, allegedly operated 62 unpermitted gas turbines and built a 1.5M-gallon LNG tank without approval, sparking community backlash.
Iceland Reconsiders EU Membership as Digital Regulation Tightens
Iceland votes on restarting EU talks, which would align its tech sector with GDPR and other digital rules.
Cara Platform Under Attack After Anti-AI Scraping Stance
Art portfolio site Cara faces trolls seizing its data. The story behind scraping and collaboration.
US Semiconductor Tariffs Threaten Higher Prices for PCs and Game Consoles
New US tariffs on semiconductors threaten to raise prices on PCs, consoles and data centers. The policy aims to boost domestic chip production but could compound existing memory shortages and increase costs for consumers and businesses.
UK Regulators Tackle the Phantom Data Center Problem on the Power Grid
Speculative data center projects are clogging the UK power grid. Regulators deploy new tricks to separate real AI infrastructure from phantom demand.