News from March 2024
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
NVIDIA GeForce NOW has introduced a new addition to its gaming library, 'Palia,' offering players a warm and cozy virtual experience in the cloud. The game, developed by Singularity 6 Corporation, has quickly gained popularity, with over 200,000 wishlists on Steam. Players can immerse themselves in a world where they can farm, fish, craft, and explore different biomes while interacting with a vibrant online community.According to NVIDIA GeForce NOW, 'Palia' is one of six new titles being added to the platform, which already boasts over 1,800 games. In addition to 'Palia,'...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Forbes recently reported on the controversy surrounding an AI app named Calmara, which claims to detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from photos of genitals, labeling it as a privacy 'disaster'. The app's launch has sparked a wave of criticism, particularly focusing on issues of consent, data privacy, and the risk of child sexual abuse material being stored on its servers.Sara Geoghegan, a counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, emphasized concerns about the app's approach, stating, "I don’t think a solution is taking photos of someone else’s...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Pending home sales in February grew 1.6%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Midwest and South posted monthly gains in transactions while the Northeast and West recorded losses. All four U.S. regions registered year-over-year decreases."While modest sales growth might not stir excitement, it shows slow and steady progress from the lows of late last year," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "Ongoing job gains are clearly increasing demand along with more inventory."Lawrence Yun further added, "The high-cost regions in the Northeast and West...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
BRUSSELS – Ahead of the 6th U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) ministerial meeting on 4-5 April, the global tech trade association ITI, the Information Technology Industry Council, has called on U.S. and EU policymakers to revamp the structure of the TTC to improve its effectiveness and ensure lasting dialogue between the two regions. Speaking on the importance of strengthening the TTC, ITI President and CEO Jason Oxman emphasized, “To make the TTC a durable forum for EU-U.S. relations, policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic will need to course correct.” He...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Fresh Express Acquisition LLC’s, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chiquita Holdings Limited (Chiquita), has decided to abandon its proposed $308 million acquisition of Dole plc’s Fresh Vegetables division. The decision to abandon the acquisition was made in response to concerns raised by the Antitrust Division.Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Antitrust Division emphasized the impact of this decision on consumers, stating, "At a time when food companies are already overcharging Americans for groceries, today’s abandonment preserves lower prices and...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
"Brussels, BELGIUM – The European AI Roundtable convened its first meeting in Brussels, drawing together prominent experts in artificial intelligence (AI) from across the EU to delve into the intricate interplay between AI and copyright regulations.Throughout the session, discussions revolved around the implementation and enforcement of the EU’s groundbreaking AI Act, recently put into effect, as well as the existing EU Copyright Directive. Participants explored the advantages and hurdles for both the tech industry and the creative sector within this regulatory landscape....
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) strongly criticized the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for finalizing three rules that reverse Endangered Species Act (ESA) reforms made during previous administrations.In response to the finalized rules, Westerman stated, "The Biden administration continues to take two steps back without even taking one step forward. We know the Endangered Species Act is an outdated piece of legislation that has repeatedly failed its primary goal...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, keeping up with the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation can be a daunting task. Trackers like Dotan’s aim to simplify this process by consolidating information in one place, as highlighted by an unknown speaker who stated, "Trackers like Dotan’s help bring together all the information in one place."Additionally, organizations such as the Electronic Privacy Information Center play a crucial role in tracking the various state AI laws that are being proposed and enacted. An unknown speaker emphasized...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
WASHINGTON – The global tech trade association, ITI, has responded to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB)'s final memorandum on the "Advancing Governance, Innovation, and Risk Management for Agency Use of Artificial Intelligence." ITI Executive Vice President of Policy, Gordon Bitko, expressed ITI's support for OMB's approach to responsible AI development and deployment. He stated, "As the leading tech association with extensive public sector expertise, ITI appreciates OMB’s comprehensive approach to responsible AI development and deployment."Bitko...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association has filed comments with the United Nations Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence’s Interim Report: “Governing AI for Humanity.”The submission responds to the UN report which details opportunities, risks, draft guiding principles, and draft institutional functions in the AI space. CCIA recently provided similar feedback on the UN’s Global Digital Compact, Singapore’s Proposed Model Governance Framework for Generative AI, and draft AI guidelines.CCIA has also published white papers on guidelines to AI...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
On 27 March 2024, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) hosted the inaugural edition of the European AI Roundtable in Brussels. The event brought together representatives from various sectors, including academia, leading AI firms, the wider tech industry, the creative sector, national expert bodies, the European Commission, European Parliament, and national governments.During the roundtable, an expert panel delved into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright. One of the key points of discussion was...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Netflix has announced a new series titled "The Seven Dials Mystery," written by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall. The show will be executive produced by Suzanne Mackie of Orchid Pictures and Chris Sussman. The directing duties will be handled by Chris Sweeney.Suzanne Mackie expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “I am excited to be bringing The Seven Dials Mystery to life, and to be introducing a new generation of iconic Christie characters to the screen. It has been a joy to work with Chris Chibnall in creating this bold, authored and ambitious vision for...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
At the forefront of revolutionizing endoscopy through AI and cloud technology, Odin Vision, a startup recently acquired by Japanese medtech leader Olympus, is making significant strides in the field of gastrointestinal health. According to Daniel Toth, cofounder and chief technology officer of Odin Vision, the acquisition has enabled the startup to reach a wider global customer base and bring their innovative solutions to more patients.Toth highlighted the importance of AI in supporting clinical decision-making during endoscopies, stating, "Polyps develop slowly, and can...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
The Justice Department, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), recently organized a summit in Atlanta. The event aimed to raise awareness about collusion, corruption, and fraud schemes targeting government spending in the Atlanta metropolitan area.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan and PCSF Director Daniel W. Glad led the discussions during the summit, highlighting the growth and success of the PCSF since its establishment in 2019. Buchanan and Glad emphasized the department's...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
Chairman Rostin Behnam has been announced as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Spring National Agricultural Credit Conference (NACC). The event organizers revealed that Behnam will address the audience on "Emerging Risks in Commodity Markets."The conference is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (ET) at the American Bankers Association Headquarters in the Hamilton Conference Room located at 1333 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036.Behnam's keynote presentation on the emerging risks in commodity markets is...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 28, 2024
The Centre for Democracy & Technology Europe's monthly Tech Policy Brief for March 2024 has highlighted critical technology and internet policy issues under debate in Europe, the U.S., and internationally. The briefing aims to help shape policies that promote rights in the digital world. The team at CDT Europe, including Asha Allen, Silvia Lorenzo Perez, Laura Lazaro Cabrera, and David Klotsonis, is available in Brussels for further inquiries.One significant event mentioned in the brief is the DSA and Platform Regulation Conference held in Amsterdam, following the...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) has stated that the agriculture sector is a "prime target and a priority" for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in its "economic warfare against the United States." Gallagher, who serves as Chairman of the House Select Committee on the CCP, made these remarks during his testimony before the House Agriculture Committee at "The Danger China Poses to American Agriculture" hearing on March 21.
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
In a decisive move, the Senate has approved the final set of bicameral, bipartisan fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills in an overwhelming 74-24 vote, sending the legislation to President Biden's desk for final approval. This crucial funding package, totaling $1.2 trillion, is set to strengthen America’s national security and make significant investments in various aspects of the American society.Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, expressed her satisfaction with the passage of the bills, highlighting the $1 billion increase in funding for...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) have issued a stern warning to Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding the Department of Justice's withholding of material related to Special Counsel Robert K. Hur's investigation.In a letter addressed to Attorney General Garland, Chairman Jordan and Chairman Comer reiterated their subpoenas for specific materials in the DOJ's possession pertaining to President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents during the...
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
A recent study by the Lown Institute reveals that 80% of nonprofit hospitals contribute less to their communities than they receive in estimated tax benefits. In some cases, the difference amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars.
