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CCIA Raises Concerns Over USTR’s NTE Report on Digital Trade Barriers
Big Tech

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has expressed concerns over the U.S. Trade Representative's National Trade Estimates (NTE) report for omitting many digital trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports. CCIA President & CEO Matt Schruers criticized the report, stating, "USTR seems to be doubling down on its new stance to abandon U.S. trade interests, abdicating the role Congress assigned it." Schruers emphasized the importance of addressing digital trade barriers, highlighting the significant role of the tech sector in U.S. exports.CCIA Vice President...


Claire Danes To Star In And Executive Produce Netflix Limited Series 'The Beast In Me'
Big Tech

Netflix has unveiled a new limited series titled "The Beast in Me," a mystery thriller produced by a stellar team and featuring renowned actress Claire Danes in a leading role. The show, created by Gabe Rotter and helmed by Howard Gordon, promises to deliver suspense and intrigue to viewers.Danes, known for her roles in "Fleishman Is in Trouble" and "Homeland," will not only star in the series but also serve as an executive producer. The storyline revolves around acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs, played by Danes, who embarks on a quest for truth after an unexpected turn of...


CES Audit Confirms Decision Makers Flocked to 2024 Show
Big Tech

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® released the final attendance data for CES® 2024, reporting a significant increase in senior-level executives attending the event. According to Gary Shapiro, CEO of CTA, "Our annual show audit proves CES is where business gets done," highlighting the importance of face-to-face meetings for decision-makers.The event, which took place in Las Vegas, attracted 138,739 participants from around the world, showcasing groundbreaking technologies across various categories. A record number of 1442 companies exhibited on the startup floor,...


Get Cozy With ‘Palia’ on GeForce NOW
Big Tech

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,'...


Forbes: Privacy Concerns Surround AI App Claiming to Detect STIs From Photos
Big Tech

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...


ITI: Restructuring U.S.-EU TTC Will Enhance Transatlantic Tech Policy Leadership
Big Tech

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...


European AI Roundtable Meets To Discuss Copyright
Big Tech

"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....


Fortune: Good luck keeping up with the whirlwind of new AI regulation
Big Tech

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...


ITI Calls for Increased Public-Private Partnership on OMB AI Memo Implementation
Big Tech

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...


CCIA Submits Comments For UN Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence’s Interim Report
Big Tech

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...


In Pictures: European AI Roundtable on Copyright
Big Tech

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...


Netflix Announces Agatha Christie Series 'The Seven Dials Mystery' by 'Broadchurch' Writer Chris Chibnall
Big Tech

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...


Greater Scope: Doctors Get Inside Look at Gut Health With AI-Powered Endoscopy
Big Tech

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...


EU Tech Policy Brief: March 2024
Big Tech

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...


The Record: States Moving to Limit Companies' Collection of Personal Data
Big Tech

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
Big Tech

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
Big Tech

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
Big Tech

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
Big Tech

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
Big Tech

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...