Big Tech news and reports on Federal Newswire

G42, the leading UAE-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology holding company, and Microsoft Corp. today announced a $1.5 billion strategic investment by Microsoft in G42. The investment will strengthen the collaboration between the two companies on bringing the latest Microsoft AI technologies and skilling initiatives to the UAE and other countries around the world. As part of this expanded partnership, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join the G42 Board of Directors.H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of G42, expressed,...

U.S. House Votes to Expand Section 702 Surveillance Program, Concerns Raised by Civil Liberties Advocate

The U.S. House recently voted to drastically expand the Section 702 surveillance program rather than reining it in, a move that has sparked concerns among civil liberties advocates. Vinh Vuong, CEO of investment firm Garrison Fathom, expressed his apprehensions about the expansion, stating, "We are going to do everything we can from a civil liberties standpoint to educate the Senate and make sure the wording is revised to not have this expansion, as well as to have a warrant requirement."Vuong, who has been a vocal campaigner for FISA reform, previously worked as a...

AI Is Tech’s ‘Greatest Contribution to Social Elevation,’ NVIDIA CEO Tells Oregon State Students

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang recently shared his thoughts on the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing society during a conversation with Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy. Speaking to over 2,000 faculty, students, and staff, Huang expressed his belief that AI is a transformative technology that can uplift marginalized communities. He stated, "I believe that artificial intelligence is the technology industry’s single greatest contribution to social elevation, to lift all of the people that have historically been left behind."The dialogue took...

China Is Pushing to Dominate the Global Chemical Industry Through Innovation, Not Just Production, New Study Finds

Chinese chemical companies are poised to become global innovators in the industry within the next decade or two, according to a recent report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson emphasized the importance of China's strategic shift towards innovation in the chemicals industry, stating, "China has dominated basic chemical manufacturing for more than a decade. Moving forward, the Chinese government has made a strategic decision to focus more on new chemicals for new applications—with a goal of increasing fine...

CTA Statement on American Privacy Rights Act

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has issued a statement regarding the American Privacy Rights Act, with CEO Gary Shapiro expressing the organization's support for the initiative. Shapiro emphasized the importance of a federal data privacy law to safeguard consumers' personal information and foster innovation in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.Shapiro stated, “The Consumer Technology Association appreciates this bipartisan, bicameral effort to pass a federal data privacy law to protect consumers’ personal information. CTA has long advocated that...

TechNet-Led Multi-Association Expresses Concerns Over USTR's 2024 National Trade Estimate Report

Washington, D.C. – A coalition of prominent industry associations, including TechNet, expressed concerns with the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) 2024 National Trade Estimate Report. The memorandum, led by TechNet, highlighted a significant reduction in the report's coverage of digital trade barriers compared to previous years, despite their increasing prevalence globally.TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore emphasized the potential consequences of the USTR's approach, stating, “From China to Canada, countries around the world are racing to slow our growth and blunt...

The Seattle Times: Amazon Faces Criticism Over Chemical Sales Leading to Fatalities

By Federal Newswire | Apr 14, 2024

The Electronic Privacy Information Center, represented by counsel Thomas McBrien, has raised concerns about Amazon's role in a tragedy where a chemical sold by the company led to the deaths of 15 individuals. McBrien, who supports the plaintiffs in one of the cases against Amazon, highlighted the company's fast approval processes for sellers and products, suggesting that this may lead to fewer safety checks being implemented by the e-commerce giant.According to McBrien, Amazon's swift approval procedures could result in a lack of stringent safety measures, allowing...

Most newsroom staffers use generative AI, Poynter report reveals

By Federal Newswire | Apr 13, 2024

A recent report from the Poynter Institute underscores a survey by The Associated Press (AP) revealing that nearly 70% of newsroom staff utilize generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their story-writing process. This usage ranges from transcribing interviews to crafting headlines and drafting stories, with one-fifth of respondents using AI to generate graphics and videos.

CCIA Statement in Response to Reports of UK Regulatory Intervention in AI

Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association issued a statement in response to reports of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) intending to intervene in nascent artificial intelligence markets.CCIA UK Senior Director Matt Sinclair expressed concerns regarding premature intervention in the AI market, stating, “The CMA should be careful that it does not intervene prematurely in a rapidly evolving market for AI services. In many cases, partnerships that bring together different capabilities are a means for companies to accelerate innovation,...

ITI Warns Against Broad Expansion of FISA Authority in Legislation Amendment

WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI cautioned against the sweeping implications of the Turner/Himes amendment, which would broaden the definition of electronic communications service provider to include those with access to the equipment as part of H.R. 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act.“There is no greater responsibility of the Congress than to provide for the national security of the United States,” said John Miller, ITI’s Senior Vice President of Policy and General Counsel. “As lawmakers consider amendments to H.R. 7888, Reforming...

Marketing Brew: Maryland passes pair of strong privacy bills

"Caitriona Fitzgerald, deputy director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), shared insights on the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act, highlighting its significance in the realm of consumer privacy legislation. Fitzgerald emphasized that the bill, if enacted, would position Maryland as the 16th state to safeguard consumer privacy, distinguishing itself with robust data minimization rules. She noted that the bill's provisions set a high standard compared to existing privacy laws in other states, stating, "Companies can only collect what’s reasonably necessary...

UPenn LDI: Why Health Privacy Online Is a Myth

Experts are raising concerns about the illusion of health privacy online. Sara Geoghegan, Counsel to the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a nonprofit organization advocating for stronger privacy regulations, emphasized that the responsibility for privacy protection should not solely rest on individuals. Geoghegan stated, "Web browsers and web pages should operate with those protections baked in."

FTC Bans Data Broker From Selling ‘Sensitive’ Locations, Rejects Tougher Terms

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against data broker Outlogic, banning them from selling 'sensitive' locations. This decision came after privacy advocates, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Electronic Privacy Information Center, pushed for stricter regulations on Outlogic's use of location data.In comments filed with the FTC in February, the privacy advocates stated, "The order should not introduce a distinction between ‘sensitive location data’ and other location data, as all location data is inherently sensitive in nature."The FTC's...

ITI Urges EU Lawmakers to Drop Sovereignty Requirements in Final EUCS

BRUSSELS – Today, global tech trade association ITI, the Information Technology Industry Council, urged the European Commission, ENISA, and the ECCG to exclude sovereignty requirements as it finalizes the European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Service (EUCS). In a statement to lawmakers, ITI commended the improvements in the most recent EUCS draft that removes sovereignty requirements, noting such criteria could undermine the EU’s cybersecurity landscape and restrict non-EU cloud service providers' market access.“The EUCS is a technical security...

Microsoft Announces Quarterly Earnings Release Date

Microsoft Corp. has announced that it will be releasing its fiscal year 2024 third-quarter financial results on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The information will be available after the market closes on the Microsoft Investor Relations website at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/.In addition to the financial results, Microsoft Corp. will also be hosting a live webcast of the earnings conference call. The webcast is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on the same day.Investors and stakeholders who are interested in Microsoft's financial performance are...

TECH7: ITI Calls For Central Role for Digital in G7 Agenda

ROME - Today, global technology trade association ITI, the Information Technology Industry Council, participated in the High-level conference "TECH7" at Palazzo Ferrajoli, organized by Anitec-Assinform, alongside other tech sector associations of G7 countries.During the conference, ITI's Director General for Europe, Guido Lobrano, emphasized the importance of the tech industry in G7 countries, stating, "Today's meeting reaffirms the alignment of the tech industry in G7 countries and its commitment to the role as a crucial partner for governments worldwide."The...

Tech Policy Press: Experts Provide Early Analysis of the American Privacy Rights Act

April 11, 2024The American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) has caught the attention of experts in the field, who are closely monitoring the developments in Congress. Alan Butler, Executive Director and President of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, highlighted the current urgency by stating, "The landscape has shifted since 2022; this Congress must meet the moment."Caitriona Fitzgerald, Deputy Director at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, emphasized the importance of the ongoing discussions surrounding the APRA. She stated, "It’s 2024, and we find ourselves...

CDT, Brennan Center & Others Urge Congress to Protect Protesters' Rights

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has teamed up with the Brennan Center and other civil liberties, free speech, and New York organizations in a unified effort to call on Congress to safeguard the rights of protesters in the United States. The coalition is urging lawmakers to oppose any reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that does not address critical issues such as backdoor search and data broker loopholes.In a joint letter, the organizations emphasized the misuse of Section 702 for surveillance purposes,...

ICYMI: TechNet Day Panel with Leading AI Executives Discusses the Policies Needed to Advance America’s Leadership in AI

By Federal Newswire | Apr 10, 2024

Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, hosted a panel discussion with The Hill on the policies needed to advance America’s leadership in AI. The event, which featured prominent industry figures, aimed to address key issues impacting innovation and global competitiveness.During the event, TechNet President and CEO, Linda Moore, emphasized the importance of sensible regulations to protect the American public and institutions while fostering innovation in the field of AI. Moore highlighted the need to...