News/Policy
Cruz bill ties $42B broadband funding to 10-year AI regulation ban
Senator Ted Cruz has introduced legislation that would make states ineligible for $42 billion in federal broadband funding if they attempt to regulate artificial intelligence development. The bill represents a new Republican strategy to enforce a 10-year moratorium on state AI regulation by leveraging critical infrastructure funding as a compliance mechanism. What you should know: Cruz's approach differs from a straightforward AI regulation ban previously approved by the House, instead tying compliance to participation in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. States would be prohibited from enforcing "any law or regulation... limiting, restricting, or otherwise regulating artificial intelligence...
read Jun 4, 2025U.S. AI Safety Institute transforms into Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI)
The Trump administration is repositioning the U.S. approach to AI governance by transforming a safety-focused institute into a standards and innovation center. This shift represents a significant policy change that prioritizes commercial advancement and competitiveness over regulation, while still maintaining national security considerations. The move signals how different administrations can fundamentally reshape technology policy priorities and the government's relationship with the AI industry. The big picture: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced plans to reform the U.S. AI Safety Institute into the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), emphasizing innovation and security over regulatory approaches. The reorganization reflects the Trump...
read Jun 3, 2025Elton John and co. join AI copyright battle with no resolution in sight
The UK faces a high-stakes standoff between AI innovation and creative rights protection, with neither side willing to compromise in a dispute that could reshape both industries. The government's Data Bill proposes an opt-out system for AI training on copyrighted works, while creative luminaries demand a licensing approach that compensates artists. This unusual political stalemate highlights fundamental questions about intellectual property in the AI era, with significant implications for creative livelihoods and the UK's position in the global AI race. The big picture: The UK government and creative industry leaders are locked in an increasingly bitter dispute over how AI...
read Jun 2, 2025AI regulation takes a backseat as rapid advancement rides shotgun
The US House of Representatives has passed legislation that could significantly impact AI regulation across the country. The "One Big Beautiful Bill" includes a provision that would prevent individual states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade, creating potential concerns for those focused on AI safety and oversight. This federal preemption raises questions about the appropriate balance between national consistency and local regulatory experimentation in managing emerging AI risks. Why this matters: The proposed 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulation could create a regulatory vacuum at a time when AI governance frameworks are still developing. Key details: The provision is...
read May 22, 2025House Republicans move to slash solar incentives amid AI energy crunch
The House Republican tax bill threatens to undermine America's solar energy boom at a pivotal moment for both climate goals and energy security. By targeting popular solar incentives like the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the legislation would not only increase electricity costs for average Americans but potentially surrender technological leadership to China in critical areas like electric vehicles and AI. The bill's timing is particularly problematic as data centers supporting AI development drive unprecedented demand for electricity, while domestic energy independence faces growing economic and geopolitical importance. The big picture: House Republicans have passed a tax bill that would eliminate...
read May 22, 2025NSF funding faces 55% cut, alarming university researchers
The Trump administration's proposal to slash National Science Foundation funding by 55% threatens America's global research leadership position, jeopardizing both scientific advancement and economic competitiveness. This dramatic restructuring of the $9 billion agency would reduce its budget to approximately $4 billion while narrowing research focus to five presidential priorities: AI, quantum science, biotechnology, nuclear energy, and translational science. The proposed cuts arrive amid an ongoing restructuring that has already frozen grants, particularly those related to diversity initiatives, and begun staff reductions. The big picture: The White House seeks to dramatically refocus federal research spending despite warnings from scientists and lawmakers...
read May 16, 2025Tech giants face new bipartisan bill to loosen Pentagon contract control
A bipartisan effort to diversify the Pentagon's AI and cloud computing contracts is gaining momentum in Congress, challenging the current dominance of tech giants in military technology procurement. The proposed legislation aims to create a more competitive landscape for defense contracts, potentially reshaping how the Department of Defense accesses critical technologies while addressing concerns about market concentration and innovation barriers. The big picture: Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) are reintroducing the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act, which targets the concentrated market power of Amazon, Microsoft, and Google in Pentagon cloud and AI contracts. The...
read May 14, 2025Top officials discuss new AI power dynamics in upcoming DC event
Exiger and Axios are uniting government officials and industry leaders for a high-level discussion on AI's transformative role in global trade and defense systems. The May 21 Washington DC event, featuring prominent speakers including the U.S. Army Secretary and members of Congress, highlights growing recognition that AI technology is reshaping critical supply chains and international power dynamics. This invitation-only gathering represents an important confluence of public and private sector expertise at a time when technological innovation is accelerating rapidly. The big picture: Senior policymakers and industry executives will convene at Washington DC's InterContinental Hotel on May 21, 2025, for an...
read May 12, 2025Startup WindBorne develops new weather balloon tech amid NOAA budget cuts
The Trump administration's budget cuts to NOAA are paving the way for private-sector innovation in weather forecasting, as Silicon Valley startup WindBorne prepares to replace traditional government weather balloons with AI-powered alternatives. These cuts, pushed by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, have forced NOAA to reduce critical weather balloon flights that provide essential data for forecasting models used by emergency services and consumer weather apps alike, creating an opportunity for tech companies to fill the void with potentially more cost-effective solutions. The big picture: WindBorne will soon replace NOAA weather balloons with AI-powered alternatives that can stay airborne for...
read May 8, 2025AI-inflected White House budget cuts make pharmaceutical researchers queasy
The growing crisis in clinical trials is intensifying as pharmaceutical companies face skyrocketing costs, diminishing success rates, and operational challenges. While many stakeholders are turning to artificial intelligence as a potential solution, proposed federal budget cuts threaten to undermine the research ecosystem at its foundation. This situation highlights a critical tension between technological innovation and sustainable research funding that could reshape America's position as a global leader in medical and pharmaceutical research. The big picture: Clinical trials are experiencing a perfect storm of challenges at the same time the White House has proposed slashing NIH funding by nearly $18 billion,...
read Apr 29, 2025California takes action to rescue critical thinking skills as AI reshapes society
California is taking legislative action to address the potential risks of AI chatbots, particularly for vulnerable youth. Senate Bill 243, which recently passed the state's Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support, represents the first U.S. legislation requiring AI companies to protect users from addiction, isolation, and undue influence from their products. This landmark bill emerges amid growing concerns about AI's impact on critical thinking skills and emotional development, highlighting the tension between technological innovation and public safety. The big picture: California's Senate Bill 243 marks the first U.S. legislation aimed at regulating the addictive and potentially harmful aspects of AI chatbots,...
read Apr 25, 2025Ed. Secretary Linda McMahon has 90 days to figure out AI integration in schools
President Trump's executive order mandating AI integration in American education represents a significant shift in federal education policy, positioning artificial intelligence as a central component of learning from pre-kindergarten through adulthood. This directive creates a comprehensive framework aimed at developing an AI-literate population, despite apparent knowledge gaps among key implementation officials and the considerable challenges of introducing complex technology into classrooms nationwide. The big picture: The executive order establishes a national policy to promote AI literacy and proficiency through early exposure to AI concepts and technology. The directive aims to create an "AI-ready workforce" and foster the next generation of...
read Apr 23, 2025Top AI research org layoffs spark concern for US tech talent pipeline
The Trump administration's dismantling of government AI research teams threatens to undermine America's technological leadership at a critical moment in the global AI race. Recent cuts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and National Science Foundation have prompted tech industry leaders to warn about long-term consequences for innovation, competitiveness, and the talent pipeline that fuels America's AI sector. The big picture: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has implemented significant cuts to federal AI research staff, including 73 probationary employees at NIST working on the CHIPS for America initiative. These firings follow earlier...
read Apr 22, 2025Publishers push White House to address AI copyright concerns
The publishing industry is taking a firm stand to protect its intellectual property rights in the AI era, with the Association of American Publishers (AAP) urging the White House to strengthen copyright protections as part of its Artificial Intelligence Action Plan. This intervention comes at a critical moment when publishers face unauthorized use of their content for AI training while simultaneously exploring AI integration in their operations, highlighting the tension between innovation and intellectual property protection in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The big picture: The AAP's submission to the White House emphasizes copyright protection as fundamental to maintaining American...
read Apr 22, 2025AI creates “generational opportunity” for British locality
UK teachers are exploring AI's transformative potential in education through organized professional development, reflecting a growing national priority to harness artificial intelligence in classrooms. With just over 25% of educators currently feeling confident about using AI, this grassroots initiative represents an important step toward building technological literacy in British schools while addressing both the opportunities and challenges these tools present. The big picture: More than 40 teachers gathered for a full-day session at Belgrave St Bartholomew's Academy in Stoke-on-Trent to discuss practical applications and challenges of AI integration in education. The event was organized by the Good Future Foundation and...
read Apr 18, 2025NASA budget cuts endanger future space exploration
Recent astronomical discoveries and technological developments mark significant milestones in space exploration and neurotechnology. The potential detection of biological signatures on an exoplanet, alongside advances in brain-computer interfaces, highlights how scientific innovation continues to push boundaries despite funding challenges. These developments represent critical moments in humanity's quest to understand both distant worlds and our own neural functions, with implications for future research initiatives and medical applications. The big picture: Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected potential biosignatures on exoplanet K2-18b, potentially representing the first evidence of extraterrestrial life. The planet, located 124 light-years away and 2.5 times...
read Apr 17, 2025AI deportation plan for protesters sparks advocacy concerns
The Trump administration's reported plan to use AI surveillance to identify and deport foreign students involved in protests marks a significant escalation in both immigration enforcement tactics and digital surveillance capabilities. This initiative sits at the intersection of national security concerns, First Amendment protections, and emerging questions about AI's role in government monitoring—raising profound concerns among civil rights organizations about the potential chilling effect on academic freedom and protected speech. The big picture: The State Department reportedly plans to deploy artificial intelligence to identify and revoke visas of international students perceived as supporting Hamas or other designated terrorist groups. Federal...
read Apr 17, 2025AI disrupts creators’ income streams, upends traditional career path
Creative industries are confronting AI as the latest challenge in their ongoing battle to sustain careers in the digital economy, according to experts at a recent Washington D.C. forum. The panel discussion, part of "The Story Starts With Us" event co-hosted by the Association of American Publishers and the Copyright Alliance, highlighted how generative AI threatens both copyright protections and the already precarious economic foundations of creative work. This conversation reveals the complicated relationship between technological innovation and artistic sustainability at a time when AI-generated content is flooding creative marketplaces. The big picture: Creative professionals see AI as the newest...
read Apr 12, 2025The 4 stages of AI agency decay and how to protect your autonomy
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence into our personal and professional lives is creating a subtle but significant risk: agency decay. This phenomenon doesn't involve a dystopian machine takeover, but rather the gradual erosion of our autonomy as AI becomes more embedded in our daily existence. Understanding the stages of this decay and implementing strategies to maintain human agency will be crucial as we navigate an increasingly AI-mediated world in 2025 and beyond. The big picture: Agency decay represents the progressive diminishment of our ability to act independently and make decisions autonomously as we become increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence...
read Apr 10, 2025The climate for nuclear-driven AI is heating up, 2050 seen as crucial year for capacity
Nuclear energy is experiencing a global revival, driven by climate commitments and the surging power demands of AI technologies. As 31 countries pledge to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, the US faces both opportunity and challenge in meeting its share of this ambitious goal. This potential nuclear renaissance follows decades of regulatory obstacles that derailed industry progress since the 1970s, but recent policy shifts like the ADVANCE Act and billions in Department of Energy investments signal a turning point for nuclear power development across various reactor scales. The big picture: The US must add approximately 200 gigawatts of nuclear power...
read Apr 8, 2025UK pursues controversial “opt-out” copyright law for AI training, making artists’ work available by default
The UK government's proposed changes to copyright law could fundamentally alter how artists' work can be used by AI companies, potentially allowing tech firms to harvest creative content without explicit permission. These changes would shift the burden to artists to actively opt out of having their work used for AI training, reversing the traditional copyright principle that creators automatically own and control the use of their intellectual property. The proposal comes amid growing tensions between creative industries and technology companies over how AI systems should be allowed to use human-created content. The big picture: The UK government is considering changing...
read Apr 1, 2025Washington school district transforms AI policy with teacher-guided framework for education
Kelso School District in Washington state has introduced an innovative policy framework for AI use in education, marking a significant shift in how K-12 schools approach artificial intelligence. The district's comprehensive approach includes a sliding scale for teachers to determine appropriate AI use levels for assignments, alongside training programs addressing ethical concerns about the technology. This thoughtful implementation represents how educational institutions are working to balance technological advancement with critical thinking skills development. The big picture: After a year of development by the district's AI Advisory Committee, Kelso School District has transitioned from blocking AI tools like ChatGPT to implementing...
read Mar 31, 2025EU commits €1.3 billion to AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills through 2027
The European Commission's €1.3 billion investment signals a substantial financial commitment to securing Europe's technological sovereignty in the AI era. This funding initiative represents a strategic move to strengthen Europe's position in advanced technologies while simultaneously addressing critical skill gaps, underscoring the continent's recognition that digital competitiveness requires both technological investment and human capital development. The big picture: The European Commission will invest €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skills through its Digital Europe Programme for 2025 to 2027. What they're saying: European Commission digital chief Henna Virkkunen emphasized the strategic importance of the investment to...
read Mar 25, 2025Tech giants including Sam Altman reverse AI stance, seek deregulation
Tech companies have dramatically reversed their stance on AI regulation since President Trump's election victory, abandoning earlier calls for government oversight in favor of aggressive deregulation requests. This shift represents a strategic pivot by Silicon Valley's most powerful AI developers, who previously warned Congress about AI's potential dangers but now seek to remove obstacles to rapid deployment and commercialization of their technologies, aligning with Trump's stated goal of outpacing China in advanced technologies. The big picture: Major AI companies including Meta, Google, and OpenAI have executed a complete policy reversal, moving from actively requesting federal guardrails to demanding regulatory freedom....
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