US and Allies Urge ‘Careful Adoption’ of AI Agents
The Australian, U.S., British, Canadian and New Zealand governments released joint guidance urging careful deployment of agentic AI systems. The document warns that unrestricted access can cause productivity loss, service disruption, privacy breaches and cybersecurity incidents. It recommends limiting AI agents to low‑risk, non‑sensitive tasks and enforcing strict controls, identity management and human‑in‑the‑loop oversight. Organizations are urged to continuously monitor, red‑team, and verify components to contain systemic risks inherent in complex AI agent architectures.
T-Shirts Have Become a Facial Recognition Threat, a New Study Shows How to Stop It
Researchers at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences have demonstrated that T‑shirts printed with human faces can reliably fool popular facial‑recognition systems. Testing three open‑source detectors—RetinaFace, MTCNN and dlib—on the TFPA database of 1,600 images yielded detection rates above 99 percent,...
2026 Industry Eagle Award: Meagan Metzger
Meagan Metzger, founder of Dcode, has spent a decade transforming how the U.S. Army and Department of Defense acquire commercial technology. By treating acquisitions as a portfolio rather than isolated programs, she helped launch an OTA‑based procurement in under 30...
Palantir's Dragnet Shows Real Surveillance Dwarfs Advertising Myths
I've long objected to the "surveillance advertising" trope, for it trivializes actual surveillance under force of government, such as this, brought to us by the folks at Palantir. Gift link. ‘We Know You Live Right Here’: No Secrets in America’s...
Policy Watch: FDA Looks to Expand Real-Time Drug Clinical Trials
The FDA has launched an AI‑driven pilot that streams clinical‑trial data in real time for AstraZeneca and Amgen’s lymphoma and lung‑cancer studies, and is now seeking public input to broaden the approach. The Ninth Circuit Court declined to compel the...
Something for the Weekend - Why We Should Build on Authentication Rather than ID. Pain Points From the UK, Learnings...
British officials are pushing a national digital ID scheme while a UK parliamentary inquiry highlights a deeper problem: authorization. Estonia’s success stems from a legally‑mandated framework that lets parliament, an ombudsman and an audit bureau control data access, not just...
Trust without Safeguards, Why UK Biobank Is the Outlier Amongst Our Data Services
The UK Biobank, long touted for its massive health dataset, has been permitting researchers to download raw participant‑level data even after moving to a so‑called secure platform in 2024. Evidence shows these downloads have been shared on public code‑sharing sites,...
AVSS Collaborates with the Government of Canada Through Innovative Solutions Canada to Perform Avalanche Control Work with Drones
AVSS announced successful testing of its Precision Avalanche Management System (PAMS) in Jasper, Alberta, marking Canada’s first regulatory‑approved drone‑based avalanche control using live explosives. The trials, conducted with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and several federal agencies, proved the...
Senate Panel Votes 22-0 to Restrict AI Chatbots for Children
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously (22‑0) to move forward a bill that would restrict AI chatbot access for minors. The legislation, built on the GUARD Act, mandates strict age‑verification and requires AI providers to disclose their non‑human nature, with...
British Cyber Agency Warns of Looming ‘Patch Wave’ as AI Speeds Flaw Discovery
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre warned that artificial‑intelligence tools are speeding the discovery of software flaws, creating an imminent “patch wave” of urgent updates. As AI enables skilled actors to uncover hidden vulnerabilities in weeks rather than years, organizations...
FCC Tightens Telecom KYC Rules, Closes Foreign Equipment Loophole
The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to tighten Know‑Your‑Customer requirements for U.S. telecom operators, demanding name, address, government ID and alternate phone verification before service activation. The same order ends blanket authorizations for Russian and Chinese equipment firms, closing a...
Robinhood Lands $100 M Treasury Contract for "Trump Accounts" Child‑benefit Program
Robinhood Markets was selected by the U.S. Treasury as the exclusive broker and initial trustee for the new "Trump Accounts" program, which will deposit $1,000 into investment accounts for every child born between 2025 and 2028. The partnership adds $100 million...
UAE AI Strategy Targets Hotel Licensing, Promises Margin Gains
The United Arab Emirates announced a two‑year AI rollout that will automate hotel licensing and compliance checks, eliminating manual processes that erode margins. Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum framed the initiative as a test of speed, quality...
Home Office Eyes £296m Refresh for Biometrics Platform
The UK Home Office has announced a £296 million (approximately $376 million) investment to refresh its national biometric platform, the Strategic Central and Bureau Platform (SCBP). The funding will support continued modernization after the system’s recent migration to modern technology stacks. SCBP...
NHS England Rushes to Hide Software over AI Hacking Fears
The National Health Service in England is pulling all of its publicly funded software from GitHub and other open‑source platforms, citing the risk of AI‑driven hacking. New guidance mandates that every repository be private by default, with public access only...
UK Tech Ministers Opposing Government Plans to Align with EU AI Rules
UK technology ministers are pushing back against a government proposal to automatically adopt EU AI regulations, warning that it could erode the UK’s laissez‑faire environment that has attracted investment. The plan would let the UK incorporate EU laws without full...
Data Centers and Communities: Why the Conversation Demands More Nuance
Maine’s House approved LD 307, imposing a moratorium on AI data centers larger than 20 MW until November 2027 and creating a Data Center Coordination Council to assess grid, ratepayer and community impacts. The move reflects growing statewide anxiety, echoing similar legislative efforts...
The FAA DETER Program: A New Era of Drone Accountability
The FAA launched the Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response (DETER) program on April 16, moving from its historic “educate‑first” stance to a rapid enforcement model for first‑time drone violations. DETER issues a formal violation notice and gives operators ten...
Departments Can Learn From Success of Bank of England Tech Programme, MPs Say
The UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee highlighted the Bank of England’s nine‑year, £431 m (≈ $550 m) overhaul of its Real‑Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system as a benchmark for successful digital transformation. The modernised RTGS now processes about £790 bn (≈ $1 tn) of payments daily...
BOE Pauses Digital Pound While Competitors Accelerate
BOE considers keeping the digital pound on ice as rivals race ahead https://t.co/Un1uISiQVD via @tomelleryrees https://t.co/Hp6lRnRs2z
CBP's Refund Portal Exceeds Expectations, Funds Return May 11
CBP’s tariff refund portal is performing better than expected https://t.co/WlVJ7uqnK6 via @SupplyChainDive CBP anticipates returning funds to importers as early as May 11 according to the article.
Barrierless Tolling to Go Live Soon, MLFF Trials Underway at Delhi’s Mundka Plaza
India is piloting barrier‑less tolling, known as Multi‑Lane Free Flow (MLFF), at Delhi’s Mundka plaza, with live operations slated for mid‑May 2026. The system automatically deducts tolls via FASTag and vehicle‑number recognition, eliminating the need for boom barriers. Gujarat’s Choryasi...
Government AI Moves Beyond Pilots; Platform Choice Crucial
Government AI Is Past the Pilot Stage. The Platform Decision Is the One That Sticks. https://t.co/vfuFX3fljb
T‑Mobile Presses Congress for NTIA Control of FirstNet, Aims to Undercut AT&T
T‑Mobile has sent a memo to congressional aides urging the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to receive express authority over the FirstNet public‑safety network. The carrier frames the move as a competition fix and a direct challenge to AT&T, which...
India Launches Barrier-Free Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling System on NH-48 in Gujarat
India has deployed its first multi‑lane free‑flow (MLFF) barrier‑less tolling system on the Surat‑Bharuch stretch of National Highway 48 in Gujarat, announced by Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on May 1, 2026. The solution pairs automatic number‑plate recognition with FASTag payments, allowing vehicles...
DOJ‑Backed Medicare Portal Leaks Providers' Social Security Numbers
The Department of Government Efficiency’s Medicare provider directory inadvertently published Social Security numbers of doctors and clinics, exposing sensitive data for weeks. CMS officials say the breach stems from mis‑entered data, and the administration is scrambling to remediate the flaw.
Michigan Townships Battle Microsoft and Others Over Hyperscale Data Centers and Grid Strain
Michigan townships are confronting proposals from Microsoft and other tech giants to build hyperscale data centers, sparking fierce community opposition over electricity demand, water use and zoning authority. About 600 residents attended a Gaines Township meeting to debate a rezoning...
Herb Morgan Pushes FI$Cal Modernization as Key to California’s $350B Budget Transparency
Herb Morgan, a former Wall Street CIO, is making FI$Cal modernization the centerpiece of his campaign for California State Controller, pledging a real‑time, AI‑enabled financial reporting platform. The effort targets the state’s $350 billion budget, aiming to flag suspicious spending daily...
ITS America 2026: Detroit's Smart Roads & Tech Tours
The ITS America 2026 Conference & Expo will take place June 9‑12 at Huntington Place in Detroit, featuring plenary sessions, state Department of Transportation roundtables, and a Future Leaders Program. Attendees can join three off‑site Tech Tours on June 9 for $75...
Waymos, Robotaxis Can Now Be Ticketed by California Police. But How Exactly?
California’s Assembly Bill 1777 takes effect on July 1, giving police the authority to issue a “notice of AV non‑compliance” and hold autonomous‑vehicle manufacturers liable for traffic violations. Waymo and other robotaxi operators must file a First Responder Interaction Plan, maintain 30‑second...
Report Analysis: “Digital Identity and Migration: Struggles for Equitable Technology Governance” By Caribou
Caribou’s new report examines how digital identity systems, touted as tools for inclusion, often entrench power imbalances for migrants. It shows that biometric registration and digital documentation can improve recognition but also expose migrants to surveillance, data misuse, and exclusion....
Peru’s Artisanal Squid Fleet Surges 30-Fold in SPRFMO Registration over Three Years
Peru’s artisanal squid fleet has surged to 1,043 vessels registered with the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO), a 33.6‑fold increase from 2023. The expansion is driven by mandatory SISESAT satellite tracking systems, now installed on over 3,000 boats,...
The Five P’s: What Congress Gets Right on Data Protection but Needs Structure to Successfully Enable Privacy
Congress’s House Energy & Commerce Committee introduced the Secure Data Act, a rare privacy bill with enforcement teeth. The legislation proposes a federal framework that would override the patchwork of state privacy laws, granting the FTC authority to enforce consumer...
Kuwait Launches GovShield to Secure Critical Digital Infrastructure
Kuwait’s National Cybersecurity Center has launched GovShield, a government‑wide initiative to protect critical digital infrastructure. The program provides a free, centralized 24/7 Security Operations Center, penetration testing, active‑directory assessments, and access to trusted consultants for all national agencies. It is...
FCC Updates Satellite Rules to Boost Broadband Capacity
The FCC voted unanimously to replace the outdated Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits with a performance‑based protection framework for geostationary and non‑geostationary satellites. The new rules could boost usable broadband capacity by up to seven times, delivering an estimated...
Cookies, Consent, and Clicks – Will the EU New ‘Reject All’ Rules Work?
The European Commission’s Digital Omnibus aims to overhaul cookie consent by mandating a one‑click “reject all” option, merging GDPR and the e‑Privacy Directive. The proposal claims users could save 198 million hours annually, while reducing businesses’ compliance burdens. Critics argue the...
£3 Million Added to West and Parts of North Yorkshire Gigabit Contract
The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has allocated an extra £3,195,012 (about $4.1 million) to the West and North Yorkshire Project Gigabit contract, raising its total value to £65,470,012 (≈$83.8 million). The amendment adds 2,642 premises, bringing the rollout scope...
EIDAS 2.0: Should Identity Teams Build or Partner?
eIDAS 2.0 will require European‑focused firms to accept EUDI wallet credentials by December 2027, turning identity verification into a new, cryptographically‑signed attribute model. Building compliance in‑house typically takes 18‑24 months and demands integration with 27 national trust registries, each with its...
MTD Is a Labour Problem, Not a Software Problem
U.K. Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance is lagging, with only about 30% of the sole traders and landlords required to register having done so. The core obstacle is not a shortage of approved software but a labour gap: firms and...
KAI, SURGE, and HUAWEI Sign Strategic Tripartite MOU to Accelerate 5G+AI Innovation in Indonesia’s Railway System
Indonesia’s national railway operator KAI, digital‑infrastructure firm SURGE, and Huawei have signed a tripartite MOU to fast‑track 5G‑enabled Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) and AI solutions across the country’s rail network. The agreement covers ICT backbone upgrades, 5G‑based signaling...
California Hits Tesla Cybercab and Robotaxi Driverless Cars with New Law
California’s DMV adopted new regulations that let police ticket autonomous‑vehicle companies for moving violations, effective July 1, 2026. The rules treat the operating firm as the driver, require incident reporting within 72 hours (24 hours for collisions), and impose penalties ranging from fleet‑size caps...
Digital Tool to Analyse Maternity Data
The NHS is launching the Maternal Outcomes Signal System (MOSS), a digital platform that rapidly analyses routine maternity data to highlight emerging safety concerns. The tool will generate six‑month reports, prompting trusts to act on identified risks. The government has...
China’s Cyberspace Regulator Drafts New Rules on Digital Humans and Child Safety
China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) released draft regulations governing AI‑generated digital humans. The rules require clear labeling, ban addictive or manipulative interactions for minors, and prohibit using personal data without consent to create virtual personas. Platforms must block harmful content, intervene...
DCMS Seeks New Digital and Information Chief
The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is recruiting a chief digital and information officer (CDIO) to steer its digital, data and technology overhaul. The role will manage the department’s shift from Google to Microsoft cloud services and...
6 Strategies to Help Meet HR1 Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements
The One Big Beautiful Bill (HR1) overhauls Medicaid and SNAP eligibility, with compliance deadlines of Dec 31 2026. State agencies must modernize their enrollment systems to avoid costly delays. Mike Hall outlines six strategies—redesigning community‑engagement workflows, launching early data‑driven outreach, adopting flexible...
Xi'an Showcases Smart City Governance Model
Xi'an hosted the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue, showcasing its integrated smart‑city governance platform to officials from seven countries. The city highlighted a 24/7 12345 citizen hotline that processed 5.8 million requests in 2025 with a 99.8 % completion rate and 97.5 % satisfaction....
Making the Most of the Grid We Already Have
The United States faces a strained, aging electricity grid as extreme weather and AI‑driven data centers boost demand. Virginia lawmakers responded with a bipartisan grid‑utilization law that requires utilities to measure peak usage and transmission losses, aiming to squeeze more...
CPUC Protects Ratepayers, Rejects SoCalGas’ Attempt to Charge Customers for Hydrogen Pipeline
The California Public Utilities Commission denied Southern California Gas Company’s request to recover $266 million from ratepayers for the Angeles Link hydrogen pipeline. The CPUC found SoCalGas had not demonstrated direct benefits to customers and that the project remains in the...
Robot Dogs Join Firefighters on the Frontline
Firefighting #Robot Dogs: Brave Machines on the Frontline by @chris_j_paxton #TechForGood #EmergingTech #Technology #Innovation #Tech https://t.co/Nr0TKSdPQ7
Over 80% of US Government Agencies Already Use AI Agents – and It’s only the Beginning
IDC research shows that more than 80% of U.S. federal agencies have already integrated AI agents into their operations, moving the technology from pilot projects to mandated workflows. Adoption is driven by budget constraints, regulatory compliance, workforce skill gaps, and...