Big Tech news and reports on Federal Newswire

Less than two months after the AI Act came into force, oversight bodies have started meeting to discuss its implementation. The AI Board held its first official meeting, focusing on the Commission’s initial deliverables related to the Act and sharing best practices for national AI governance. Currently, the AI Board is the only active oversight body created by the AI Act. There is no public information available about the multistakeholder Advisory Forum or the Scientific Panel.

Meta ends direct peering with Deutsche Telekom amid net neutrality concerns

Meta has announced the end of its direct peering relationship with Deutsche Telekom, citing concerns over net neutrality and market power abuses. The company expressed disappointment over failed negotiations and revealed that it will now route network traffic through a third-party transit provider instead of directly exchanging traffic with Deutsche Telekom.

Queue magazine features stars from Emilia Pérez

Fall has arrived, and with it comes the latest issue of Queue, featuring Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez from the film "Emilia Pérez," photographed by Ruvén Afanador.

CDT releases new report on improving governance outcomes through AI documentation

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has released a report titled "Improving Governance Outcomes Through AI Documentation: Bridging Theory and Practice." The report emphasizes the importance of AI documentation as a tool for governing AI systems, providing stakeholders both within and outside AI organizations with insights into the development, functionality, and risks associated with these systems.

Telematics programs can save money but raise privacy concerns

John Davisson, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, advises consumers to thoroughly review their insurer’s website before enrolling in a telematics program. This includes understanding which data points are collected and how that data is used. Given the complexity of legal texts in data privacy agreements, Davisson suggests calling the insurer for specific clarifications.

Senator Markey introduces AI Civil Rights Act of 2024

Senator Ed Markey has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act of 2024. The legislation aims to address biases and ensure transparency in AI systems used in decision-making processes that affect individuals' rights, civil liberties, and livelihoods.

FTC investigates impact of bespoke pricing practices

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has highlighted the increasing use of data and algorithms in personalized pricing, also known as "bespoke pricing." This practice involves tailoring prices based on a consumer's identity, preferences, and situation. While some view this as a form of dynamic pricing with potential benefits, others criticize it as invasive and potentially exploitative.

ITIF responds to DOJ lawsuit against Visa

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Visa, alleging anticompetitive behavior in two debit network services markets. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a prominent think tank for science and technology policy, responded with a statement from Joseph V. Coniglio, director of antitrust and innovation at ITIF.

ITI urges stakeholder engagement before implementing new product import policy

The global tech trade association ITI has responded to the Government of India's decision to extend its import management system by three months. The policy, initially set to expire on September 30, 2024, would have introduced a new licensing regime for importing tablets, laptops, and other technology devices.

Netflix reveals top shows and films for week ending September 24

Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s true-crime drama "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" debuted at #1 on the English TV List with 12.3 million views, ranking in the Top 10 in 89 countries. The second installment of the Monster anthology series stars Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch, alongside Javier Bardem, Chloë Sevigny, Nathan Lane, and Ari Graynor.

Microsoft expands engineering development footprint with new center in Abu Dhabi

Microsoft Corp. announced on Tuesday the expansion of its Global Engineering Development Center to Abu Dhabi, UAE. This new center marks one of Microsoft's first engineering centers in the Arab world and joins a global network of development centers focused on AI innovations, cloud technologies, and advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Llama Impact Grants recipients announced for projects addressing global issues

Today, the recipients of the 2023 Llama Impact Grants were announced. The grants program, launched in 2023, aims to support innovative uses of Llama 2 and Llama 3, open-source AI models addressing social issues. Over 800 applications were received from organizations in more than 90 countries, proposing uses in education, the environment, and open innovation. From these applicants, twenty finalists were selected, with three proposals leading.

CDT opposes H.R. 9495 citing concerns over due process for non-profits

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has aligned with over 120 other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in opposition to H.R. 9495, a proposed bill that could allow the Treasury Department to revoke an organization's tax-exempt status without due process. The bill would enable the Secretary of the Treasury to label a domestic non-profit organization as a "terrorist supporting organization" and remove its tax exemption if it is found to have provided "material support" to a terrorist group.

EFF challenges Texas' HB 1181 at Supreme Court

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), along with the Woodhull Freedom Foundation and TechFreedom, has called on the Supreme Court to invalidate Texas' HB 1181. This law mandates age verification for access to online sexual content, which the organizations argue infringes on constitutional rights.

ITI supports House passage of Building Chips in America Act

The global tech trade association ITI has released a statement from its President and CEO Jason Oxman following the U.S. House of Representatives' approval of the Building Chips in America Act.

BT launches internal GenAI platform powered by AWS

BT Group’s Digital Unit has introduced an internal platform named GenAI Gateway, designed to leverage large language models (LLMs) from various providers such as Anthropic, Meta, Claude, Cohere, and Amazon. This platform was developed in collaboration with AWS using Amazon Bedrock, Amazon SageMaker, and AWS Professional Services. The GenAI Gateway offers secure access to natural-language processing and LLMs, which BT Group plans to integrate into its business operations.

Coalition challenges Texas age verification law in Supreme Court

CDT, in coalition with New America’s Open Technology Institute, The Internet Society, Professor Daniel Weitzner, Professor Eran Tomer, and Professor Sarah Scheffler, has filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court with the assistance of Keker, Van Nest & Peters in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton. This case involves a challenge to a Texas law that requires websites and online services hosting a certain percentage of “sexual material harmful to minors” to verify the age of their visitors and prevent minors from accessing their sites. After the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals...

Cincinnati considers $1 million annual renewal for 'ShotSpotter' amid scrutiny

City data showed that police have received 1,751 ShotSpotter alerts so far in 2024, on track to match last year’s nearly 2,900 gunfire detections. Critics argue that the technology is flawed.

ITI releases policy guide on AI's role in energy transition

Global tech trade association ITI has released a new policy guide titled "Sustainable Technology Policy Guide: Understanding AI’s Role in the Energy Transition." The release coincides with the start of Climate Week NYC. The guide outlines how policymakers and industry can collaborate to build a modern energy infrastructure that supports sustainable innovation and ensures sufficient energy access.

Fifth Circuit rules geofence warrants violate Fourth Amendment