Department of Commerce
Democrat, Public Interest Groups Challenge Legality of White House AI Directive
Critics warn federal preemption efforts exceed agency authority and statutory limits.
Congress
California State Senator Eyes Pelosi’s House Seat
Scott Wiener brings AI and broadband policy credentials into high-stakes San Francisco race.
AI
OpenAI Announces that ChatGPT Will Allow 'Erotica for Verified Adults'
Sex is a big market for the AI industry. ChatGPT won't be the first to try to profit from it
Digital Inclusion
California Tenants Can Soon Opt Out of Bulk Billing Plans
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1414 into law Friday.
Briefs
Gov. Newsom Signs California Law Targeting Loud Streaming Ads
California becomes the first state to regulate ad volume on streaming platforms.
AI
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Landmark Bill Creating AI Safety Measures
The law requires AI companies to disclose safety protocols for their most advanced models and report safety incidents to the state within 15 days.
Satellite
California Rejects Military Plan to Increase SpaceX Launches
State panel denies Musk for a second time.
AI
House Includes 10-Year Ban on States Regulating AI in Budget Bill
The provision is tucked into the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s sweeping markup, would be a major boon to the AI industry.
Trump Vance Administration
Musk Uses X Ownership and White House Status to Intimidate Detractors
'This is a combination of economic, media and political power that I believe has never been seen before in any democracy.'
SpaceX
Newsom: ‘I’m with Elon’ on More California Rocket Launches
Musk wants to increase annual allowed launches from Vandenberg from 36 to 50 in a year.
AI
California Governor Vetoes Bill to Create First-in-Nation AI Safety Measures
'I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology.'
Broadband's Impact
Senators Urge Tech Giants to Address Election Disinformation
Tech CEOs must submit plans by Oct. 1 to address AI election disinformation.
Public Safety
California AI Safety Bill Faces Final Hurdle
The proposed law demands rigorous safeguards for AI systems that pose the highest risks.
New York
New York Signs Social Media Algorithm Block for Minors
The bill requires social media platforms to cease using algorithms for children's online accounts.
Middle Mile
California Middle-Mile Initiative Prioritizes Connecting Local Grant Applicants
The $3.8-billion program's director said 107 grant applicants intend to connect to its infrastructure.
CPUC
Mark Monroe Guides Ahead-of-Schedule Middle Mile Program
A proposed budget from the governor's office steps back from guaranteeing more money amid rising costs.
