Yesterday’s event on blockchain, which was framed by SIIA’s Issue Brief, enticed great attendance and sophisticated audience involvement.  You can view the event on Facebook here.  It is worthwhile taking a look even just at the first ten minutes with Congressmen Schweikert’s and Polis’ interventions.  Their commitment and passion for this technology’s potential is palpable.  We are lucky to have this bipartisan approach to reviewing blockchain. We were also lucky to have an all-star cast of panelists: Robert L. Strayer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Cyber and International Communications and Information Policy; Brian Trackman, Attorney Lead, Counsel, LabCFTC and CFTC Office of General Counsel; Thomas Savage, Lead Blockchain Researcher, Centers for Disease Control; David Egts, Chief Technologist, North America Public Sector, Red Hat; Jon West, Head of Platforms, Technology Department, Thomson Reuters; Angela Angelovska-Wil ...

My recent InfoWorld blog took aim at Elon Musk’s recent call for regulation of AI research.  While a deregulation-minded Washington is unlikely to set up a new federal AI agency to oversee AI applications and research, Musk insists that he wants exactly that. In remarks after his comments to the National Governors Association meeting, Musk clarified that “the process of seeking the insight required to put in place informed rules about the use and development of AI should start now. Musk compared it to the process of establishing other government bodies regulating use of technology in industry, including the FCC and the FAA. “I don’t think anyone wants the FAA to go away,” he said.” But this is even more worrisome.  He is proposing establishing an agency with full regulatory authority over every use of AI.  After setting up such an omnibus regulatory structure, then he wants the agency to figure out what it should do! But this ...

The education sector is convening in Austin, TX this week for SxSWedu, showcasing leading educators  and the latest innovations in technology and digital learning. SIIA is also showcasing its work with the release of its first state policy profile: Around the Nation: Doing Business in Texas Schools. The report provides a guide to the many state policies, regulations and programs impacting Texas school districts and their school service providers.