News from March 2024
Department of the Interior names new members of National Indian Gaming Commission
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), a three-member board established in 1988, is dedicated to promoting Tribal economic development and strengthening Tribal governments through the operation of gaming on Tribal lands.
The Record: States Moving to Limit Companies' Collection of Personal Data
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Privacy advocates are lauding the efforts of states like Maryland and Vermont as they push forward with legislation aimed at curbing the collection of vast amounts of personal information by companies. The focus on data minimization is gaining momentum at the state level, with many states seeking to protect consumers' privacy rights."We’re happy to see states like Maryland and Vermont prioritizing consumers’ expectations about how their data will be used rather than simply allowing companies to collect and use data however they want, as long as they disclose what they’re...
Report – Up in the Air: Educators Juggling the Potential of Generative AI with Detection, Discipline, and Distrust
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Mar 27, 2024Educators across the nation are navigating the complexities of integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) into the classroom, as highlighted in a recent report by the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT). The report sheds light on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technology in educational settings.According to the CDT, teachers have experienced a significant shift in their interactions with generative AI since the previous school year. While there has been progress in terms of familiarity, training, and school policy development...
Unlocking Peak Generations: TensorRT Accelerates AI on RTX PCs and Workstations
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
On March 27, 2024, NVIDIA announced significant advancements in AI acceleration for RTX PCs and workstations, as part of the AI Decoded series aimed at demystifying AI for users. The focus is on unlocking peak generations through the use of TensorRT, which enhances the performance of generative AI applications on local devices.The integration of TensorRT with Stable Video Diffusion and ControlNets has been a game-changer, as highlighted by Automatic1111, "Stable Video Diffusion is now optimized for the NVIDIA TensorRT software development kit, which unlocks the...
CDT Comments to NTIA on Open Foundation Models
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in response to a Request for Comment regarding the risks and benefits of "open foundation models." This submission is part of a proceeding mandated by section 4.6 of the U.S. Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.In their submission, the CDT emphasized the importance of considering the potential policy approaches to these models and how they should be regulated. The CDT's...
NTIA's AI Stance Shows a Worrying Tilt Toward Favoring Regulation, Says Center for Data Innovation
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
WASHINGTON—In response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) releasing a report on promoting AI accountability, the Center for Data Innovation's Senior Policy Manager Hodan Omaar expressed concerns about the direction being taken."NTIA’s report on AI accountability is a mixed bag. It tells U.S. policymakers to do three things—provide guidance, support, and regulations on AI," Omaar stated. While acknowledging the value of guidance and support in enhancing accountability, Omaar raised a red flag regarding the emphasis on regulatory...
ITI Urges NTIA to Consider Open Model Weights for U.S. AI Innovation
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Today, global tech trade association ITI responded to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) request for information related to NTIA’s assignments in U.S. President Biden’s Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.In its comments, ITI recommended that NTIA adopt a risk-based approach for policy recommendations, acknowledge the gradient of openness in defining openness, recognize risk management as a shared responsibility across the AI value chain, and engage in discussions with key international allies and...
CCIA Offers NTIA Comments on AI Open Source Models
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Artificial Intelligence on how to understand the benefits of open-source development models in artificial intelligence.The CCIA emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between dual-use and non-dual use public innovation models in order to ensure the viability of open-source AI development. They noted that without this distinction, such approaches could become inaccessible for all but the most...
Netflix Celebrates Indonesia’s National Film Day with a Pledge of Support for Local Cinema
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Netflix is championing Indonesia’s film industry in honor of the country’s National Film Day on March 30. The streaming giant plans to showcase more local films and host workshops for budding filmmakers. Ruben Hattari, Director of Public Policy, SEA, Netflix, emphasized the company's commitment to promoting Indonesian films globally, stating, “Netflix reasserts its commitment to make Indonesian films available globally in 190 countries and enhance the quality of Indonesian movies by investing in its filmmakers.”At a press conference in Jakarta, a panel of renowned...
CFTC’s Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee to Meet April 10 in Kansas City
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Washington, D.C. — CFTC Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger, sponsor of the Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee (EEMAC), has announced that the EEMAC will be convening for a public meeting on Wednesday, April 10 at the University of Missouri – Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri. The meeting will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CDT) and is open to both in-person and virtual attendance, space permitting.Commissioner Mersinger highlighted the focus of the upcoming meeting, stating, "The last few EEMAC meetings focused on the metal and mineral markets and the...
Software Developers Launch OpenUSD and Generative AI-Powered Product Configurators Built on NVIDIA Omniverse
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Software developers are making waves in the world of technology with the launch of OpenUSD and Generative AI-Powered Product Configurators built on NVIDIA Omniverse. The innovative use of these technologies is transforming the landscape of virtual product experiences and automated personalization, benefiting both retailers and consumers alike.The adoption of NVIDIA RTX technologies from NVIDIA Omniverse SDKs and APIs, along with generative AI from NVIDIA Edify models, is empowering developers to create configurator applications that offer physically accurate, photoreal...
Clean Energy Buyers Association commends DOE's selection of Century Aluminum's clean energy smelter
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) has lauded the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) for selecting Century Aluminum's proposal for a new primary aluminum smelter. The proposed construction site for the smelter is in the Mississippi River Basin, with Kentucky being the preferred location.
Editorial: Vermont Takes Steps to Protect Consumers from Corporate Data Practices
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
The Rutland Herald reported on March 27, 2024, that Vermont is making strides in safeguarding consumers from exploitative corporate data practices. Caitriona Fitzgerald, deputy director of EPIC, emphasized the significance of these efforts, stating, “Vermont is taking important steps toward protecting consumers from abusive corporate data practices.”A crucial component of the initiative is the inclusion of a private right of action, enabling consumers to hold companies accountable in court for breaching their rights. The bill also incorporates a provision that allows...
Blockchain Association Statement on the Partial Dismissal of the SEC’s Action Against Coinbase
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Washington, D.C. (March 27, 2024) – The Blockchain Association's Head of Legal, Marisa Coppel, addressed the recent developments in the legal battle between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Coinbase.Coppel stated, “Today’s ruling in the coinbase suit marks an important step toward providing clarity for the U.S. digital asset industry. We are glad to see the Court affirm that tokens alone are not securities and also correct the SEC’s mischaracterization of Coinbase Wallet, finding that this technology does not fall within the U.S. securities laws."She...
Viome’s Guru Banavar Discusses AI for Personalized Health
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Viome Chief Technology Officer Guru Banavar recently appeared on NVIDIA’s AI Podcast to discuss how AI and RNA sequencing are transforming personalized healthcare. Banavar highlighted Viome's focus on analyzing microbiomes and gene expression to address the root causes of chronic diseases. He emphasized Viome's unique approach, stating, "Viome translates biological data into practical dietary recommendations."During the podcast, Banavar also underscored the importance of RNA in health analysis, explaining its significance over DNA. He noted that understanding the...
Consumer Groups Raise Concerns About Numbering Resource Abuse
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
Communications Daily: Consumer Groups Raise Concerns About Numbering Resource Abuse Mar 27 2024The National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center have expressed concerns about the misuse of numbering resources by certain callers. They highlighted the issue of callers "rotating outbound numbers that allows them to circumvent" the FCC’s Stir/Shaken caller ID authentication rules. In a meeting with Wireline Bureau staff, the groups urged the FCC to take action.The groups specifically requested the FCC to "explicitly say that providers are...
Marketplace: Views on Internet Regulation from Privacy Organization and Big Tech's Lobbying Group
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
In a recent discussion about internet regulation, Iorio from a privacy organization shared concerns about the stance taken by Big Tech's lead lobbying group, NetChoice. According to Iorio, NetChoice is adamant about the First Amendment providing immunity for Big Tech members from various regulations, especially in terms of privacy. Iorio highlighted NetChoice's position in the NetChoice v. California Attorney General Rob Bonta briefing, where they argued against privacy laws that aim to protect users from privacy harms through data minimization requirements and use...
NVIDIA Hopper Leaps Ahead in Generative AI at MLPerf
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
NVIDIA Hopper Leaps Ahead in Generative AI at MLPerfNVIDIA has made a significant leap in the field of generative AI, as confirmed by the latest MLPerf benchmarks. The company's TensorRT-LLM software, designed to enhance inference on large language models, has showcased remarkable performance improvements on the NVIDIA Hopper architecture GPUs.The advancements in technology were highlighted by the quote, "It’s official: NVIDIA delivered the world’s fastest platform in industry-standard tests for inference on generative AI." These developments have positioned NVIDIA as a...
Health care associations press Congress to address workplace violence
By Federal Newswire | Mar 27, 2024
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) announced that it had joined forces with the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American College of Emergency Physicians on Capitol Hill to detail workplace violence in health care.
European Commission launches DMA noncompliance investigations into Alphabet, Apple, and Meta
By Federal Newswire | Mar 26, 2024
The European Commission has initiated five investigations pertaining to potential violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The companies under scrutiny are Alphabet, Google's parent company, Apple, and Meta.
