News/Gov Tech
National Archives adopts Google Gemini AI for employees
National Archives embraces AI for efficiency and accessibility: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is actively exploring and implementing artificial intelligence technologies to enhance its operations and public services. AI initiatives and employee concerns: NARA has introduced several AI-related projects, sparking both excitement and apprehension among its staff. In June, NARA presented "AI-mazing Tech-venture," showcasing Google's Gemini AI as a productivity tool for employees. The agency plans to launch "Archie AI," a public-facing chatbot, in December. Some employees have expressed concerns about AI's role in archiving, citing potential risks to historical accuracy and institutional trust. NARA previously banned...
read Oct 16, 2024Tiny Caribbean island now generates 20% of revenues from ‘.ai’ domain sales
Anguilla's unexpected AI windfall: The tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla has found itself at the center of the artificial intelligence boom, thanks to its control of the coveted .ai internet domain. Financial impact and revenue surge: Anguilla's earnings from web domain registration fees have experienced a dramatic increase, reshaping the island's economic landscape. Domain registration fees quadrupled last year, reaching $32 million and now accounting for approximately 20% of the government's total revenue. The Premier anticipates that domain revenues could potentially double this year, further bolstering the island's finances. Major tech companies, including Google and Elon Musk's X, as well...
read Oct 15, 2024US to invest $750M in Wolfspeed for advanced chip production
Biden administration boosts semiconductor industry: The U.S. government has announced plans to provide up to $750 million in direct funding to Wolfspeed, a North Carolina-based company specializing in silicon carbide semiconductors. The funding will support Wolfspeed's new silicon carbide factory in North Carolina and its existing facility in Marcy, New York. Wolfspeed's silicon carbide technology enables more efficient computer chips for electric vehicles and other advanced applications. The company's expansion plans are estimated to create 2,000 manufacturing jobs as part of a $6 billion investment. Strategic importance of semiconductor production: The Biden-Harris administration views this investment as a critical step...
read Oct 14, 2024Britain woos global investors at summit without Elon Musk
UK Labour Government's Investment Push: The newly elected Labour Party government in Britain has announced a substantial £63 billion ($82 billion) investment package aimed at boosting various sectors of the UK economy, including artificial intelligence, life sciences, infrastructure, and technology. Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed approximately 300 executives at a business summit, emphasizing Britain's renewed stability as an investment destination following years of political turbulence under the Conservative government. Starmer pledged to implement a "hard-headed" industrial strategy and stimulate economic growth by reducing unnecessary regulations. Key Investment Deals: DP World announced a £1 billion expansion of the London Gateway container...
read Oct 14, 2024San Francisco aims to track AI use with new legislation
San Francisco's proactive approach to AI governance: San Francisco Supervisor Hilary Ronen is set to introduce groundbreaking legislation aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across city and county departments. The proposed legislation seeks to create transparency, assess potential impacts, and establish standards for AI usage in local government operations. This initiative comes as San Francisco, a hub of technological innovation, grapples with the rapid advancement and integration of AI technologies in various sectors. Key components of the proposed legislation: The Department of Technology would be tasked with implementing three primary measures to oversee and regulate AI use...
read Oct 11, 2024Newsweek asked ChatGPT to predict the election — here’s what it said
The 2024 presidential race: A tight contest between Harris and Trump: The upcoming U.S. presidential election, just 25 days away, is shaping up to be a highly competitive race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, with only 18 Electoral College votes separating the two candidates in recent simulations. Newsweek asked ChatGPT, "Can you tell me who you believe will win the 2024 presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump?" The AI system was prompted to provide a rationale for its response and to analyze the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each contender. In its reply, the AI stated, "It would be...
read Oct 11, 2024What the Justice Department thinks about AI right now
Interagency collaboration on AI equity: The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division convened a meeting of federal agency representatives to coordinate efforts on advancing equity in artificial intelligence and protecting civil rights. The meeting marked the fourth such gathering, coming nearly a year after President Biden's Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI Development and Use. The Civil Rights Division is tasked with coordinating federal agencies to prevent and address potential discrimination and harm from AI while preserving its potential benefits. Key developments and initiatives: Several agencies shared recent accomplishments and ongoing efforts to safeguard civil rights in the context...
read Oct 11, 2024US Energy Secretary highlights AI’s role in science, energy, security
AI's transformative potential in science, energy, and security: U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized AI's crucial role in addressing major global challenges during her address at the NVIDIA AI Summit in Washington, D.C. Granholm highlighted AI's potential to tackle issues such as climate change, cancer research, and national security concerns. The Department of Energy, dubbed "America's Solutions Department" by Granholm, is leveraging AI to drive advancements in quantum computing and next-generation technologies. The Secretary stressed the need to harness AI for both offensive problem-solving and defensive measures against malicious uses. AI's impact on scientific discovery and innovation: Experts from government,...
read Oct 11, 2024Pittsburgh forges AI future with NVIDIA tech community launch
Pittsburgh's AI revolution: NVIDIA launches its inaugural AI Tech Community in Pittsburgh, partnering with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh to accelerate innovation and public-private collaboration in artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to supercharge partnerships across communities with high potential for enabling technological transformation using AI. Two joint technology centers will be established in Pittsburgh to tap into the region's expertise: one with Carnegie Mellon University focusing on robotics, autonomy, and AI, and another with the University of Pittsburgh concentrating on AI applications in health sciences. Academic powerhouses at the forefront: Carnegie Mellon University and the University of...
read Oct 10, 2024Massachusetts accelerates AI innovation with new business guidelines
Massachusetts as an innovation hub: The state of Massachusetts is positioning itself as a leader in fostering business innovation and responsible advancements in artificial intelligence, leveraging its unique blend of academic, governmental, and private sector resources. A recent conversation between MIT President Sally Kornbluth, Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, and other stakeholders highlighted the ongoing efforts to drive cutting-edge research at MIT and throughout the state. The discussion focused on how innovators identify and tackle significant challenges, the process of funding and project execution, and the development of a robust regional economy. Participants emphasized...
read Oct 9, 2024How San Jose is pioneering responsible AI in city services
AI leadership in local government: San Jose, California, under the guidance of CIO Khaled Tawfik, is spearheading efforts to implement safe and responsible artificial intelligence in municipal services. The city council has approved the first budget allocation specifically dedicated to advancing AI use in improving city services. Tawfik leads the GovAI Coalition, a collaborative effort to help cities implement safe and responsible AI solutions based on robust policies. San Jose is focusing on testing AI to enhance micromobility safety, including detecting potholes, trash, and road safety conditions. The ultimate goal is to use AI for detecting and mitigating obstacles for...
read Oct 8, 2024Scott Wiener is open to working with Newsom on possible AI legislation next year
California's AI regulatory landscape evolves: Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a sweeping AI regulation bill authored by Senator Scott Wiener, opting instead to establish a panel of experts to study future statewide AI safety rules. Newsom's office announced a panel of three experts to examine AI regulations, with the possibility of expanding the group in the future. The current panel members are Stanford Professor Fei-Fei Li, UC Berkeley Dean Jennifer Chayes, and Carnegie Endowment for Peace President Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar. Senator Wiener expressed openness to working with the panel, emphasizing the need for diverse viewpoints in the group. Expert panel composition raises...
read Oct 3, 2024Biden administration to invest $100M in AI-driven semiconductor tech
Biden-Harris Administration announces major AI investment for sustainable semiconductors: The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a Notice of Intent for a competition to accelerate the development of sustainable semiconductor materials using artificial intelligence, with up to $100 million in funding available. Key details of the initiative: The program aims to demonstrate how AI can assist in developing new sustainable semiconductor materials and processes within a five-year timeframe. Funding will be awarded to university-led, industry-informed collaborations focusing on AI-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE) for sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. The initiative is part of the CHIPS for America program, which seeks to bolster...
read Oct 2, 2024How state officials think about implementing and managing generative AI
Generative AI in state governments: A team approach: NASCIO President Jim Weaver advocates for a collaborative strategy in managing generative AI implementation, rather than relying on a single chief AI officer. At the NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference, Weaver expressed skepticism about the need for chief AI officers, viewing them as potentially adding unnecessary bureaucracy. Weaver, who is also the North Carolina CIO, suggested that a team-based approach would be more effective in driving value and managing the complexities of generative AI adoption. Creative applications and challenges: State officials at the conference explored innovative uses for generative AI while acknowledging the...
read Oct 1, 2024Third-party breaches and AI dominate state CISOs’ threat concerns
State CISOs face evolving challenges in 2024: The latest Deloitte-NASCIO Cybersecurity Study reveals that state Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are grappling with expanding responsibilities and emerging threats while contending with persistent workforce and funding issues. The average tenure of state CISOs has decreased from 2.5 years in 2022 to 1.9 years in 2024, with hiring for these positions often taking six months or more. Many CISOs now oversee privacy responsibilities, with 86% of states having CISOs handle privacy matters, up from 60% in 2022. The top cybersecurity threats identified by CISOs include security breaches involving third parties, AI-enabled attacks,...
read Sep 30, 2024California governor vetoes major AI regulation bill
California's AI bill veto: A setback for regulation efforts: Governor Gavin Newsom of California has vetoed S.B. 1047, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence safety bill that would have implemented strict regulations on the technology. The bill, which passed both houses of the California Legislature nearly unanimously, aimed to establish safety testing requirements for large AI systems before their public release. It would have granted the state's attorney general the authority to sue companies for serious harm caused by their AI technologies, including death or property damage. A mandatory kill switch for AI systems was included in the bill to address potential...
read Sep 30, 2024AI detective investigates real crimes in groundbreaking police test
AI-powered detective system tested by UK police: The Avon and Somerset Police Department in the United Kingdom is experimenting with an AI-powered system called Soze, designed to assist in solving cold cases by rapidly analyzing vast amounts of evidence. Developed in Australia, Soze can process emails, social media accounts, videos, financial statements, and other documents related to criminal investigations. The system reportedly analyzed evidence from 27 complex cases in approximately 30 hours, a task that would have taken human detectives an estimated 81 years to complete. This significant time-saving potential has attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies facing personnel...
read Sep 29, 2024Ukraine is using AI-powered avatars to help citizens access social services
AI-powered avatars revolutionize Ukrainian social services: The Ukrainian government has turned to AI-generated avatars to disseminate crucial information about social services amid the ongoing war with Russia, addressing the need for efficient and cost-effective communication. The digital transformation initiative: Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy has launched an online platform to provide citizens with access to various social services, including pension programs, unemployment benefits, and healthcare assistance. The platform aims to reach citizens in temporarily occupied territories who may not have physical access to local social protection offices. AI-generated videos featuring realistic avatars explain how to use the new platform, create...
read Sep 28, 2024How AI startup Veritone is using AI to enhance public safety
Veritone expands Midwest reach through strategic partnership: California-based AI company Veritone has formed a product access agreement with Illinois-based Midwest Public Safety to offer its AI-powered applications for law enforcement and judicial agencies across the Midwest region. The partnership will make Veritone's complete line of AI-powered applications available to Midwest Public Safety's clients and potential customers in the region. Key products highlighted in the deal include Veritone Investigate, a digital evidence management tool, and Veritone Redact, software for video and audio redaction. These products are designed to help law enforcement agencies streamline and better manage critical police tasks. Addressing growing...
read Sep 28, 2024AI-powered 911 tech firm Prepared secures $27M funding
Innovative emergency dispatch technology receives significant funding boost: Prepared, a company specializing in emergency dispatch technology, has secured $27 million in a Series B funding round led by prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The funding brings Prepared's total investment to approximately $57 million since its founding in 2019. This latest round of investment demonstrates growing interest in modernizing public safety technology, particularly in the realm of 911 call responses. AI-driven enhancements in emergency response: Prepared aims to leverage artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of 911 call responses, addressing the evolving needs of emergency dispatch centers in the mobile...
read Sep 28, 2024Maryland launches free AI training for 40,000 state workers
Maryland takes proactive stance on AI education: The state's Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has partnered with InnovateUS to offer free artificial intelligence training to all state employees, joining a growing trend of government-led AI education initiatives. Maryland's move follows similar programs launched in New Jersey and California, reflecting a broader recognition of the need for AI literacy in the public sector. The training aims to provide an overview of generative AI, best practices, and strategies to reduce risk associated with AI implementation. This initiative aligns with Maryland's efforts to foster responsible innovation and prepare its workforce for the increasing...
read Sep 26, 2024Labor Department issues new AI guidelines to ensure inclusive hiring
New AI hiring guidelines aim to promote inclusivity: The US Labor Department has introduced a voluntary framework to ensure inclusive hiring practices for people with disabilities when using artificial intelligence in recruitment processes. The AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework is based on practices from the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and provides guidance on applying AI risk-management practices to specific use cases or industries. The framework aims to help employers leverage AI technology to advance inclusive hiring policies while managing associated risks, particularly for people with disabilities. This initiative comes as part of the Biden administration's efforts to address concerns...
read Sep 24, 2024Public-Private Coordination, Policy, and the Economic Potential of AI
AI's potential impact on productivity and inequality: The hype surrounding artificial intelligence and technology as catalysts for economic growth contrasts with the reality of slowing productivity growth in recent years, despite significant technological advancements. AI's development could take three distinct paths, influencing productivity growth, income inequality, and industrial concentration. Without appropriate policies, AI implementation might result in low productivity, exacerbated inequality, and increased power concentration. For emerging economies, well-crafted policies could lead to higher productivity, greater inclusivity, and reduced market concentration. Government's role in driving AI-powered productivity: When faced with common threats or challenges, government efforts to boost productivity can...
read Sep 23, 2024US Launches $100M Initiative To Foster Global AI Inclusivity
Global AI partnership launched: The U.S. Department of State has initiated the Partnership for Global Inclusivity on AI (PGIAI), collaborating with eight major tech companies to promote AI development and use in developing countries. The partnership, which includes Amazon, Anthropic, Google, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI, commits over $100 million to foster AI growth in emerging economies. This initiative aims to bridge the global AI divide by focusing on three key areas: increasing access to AI models and tools, building technical capacity, and expanding local datasets. The State Department is contributing $33 million in funding for various AI initiatives...
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