Emerging Tech

Blockchain is a key technology—a computer scientist explains why the post-crypto-crash future is bright

Blockchain systems can improve data storage and security for state and local governments managing electronic medical records, property records, voting systems and other applications.

  • By Yu Chen, The Conversation

AI is used widely, but lawmakers have set few rules

Connecticut is the latest state to legislate new guardrails for artificial intelligence.

  • By Caitlin Dewey, Stateline

AI in the workplace: Local officials explore responsible use

As more governments experiment with artificial intelligence, local leaders are considering how to leverage AI’s benefits safely and responsibly.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

How AI could take over elections – and undermine democracy

An AI-driven political campaign could have grave implications for election outcomes as algorithms manipulate the messages and advertisements individuals see to ultimately sway their voting behavior, experts warn.

  • By Archon Fung and Lawrence Lessig, The Conversation

Digital driver’s license available for Google Wallet

Maryland is the first state to offer digital licenses and IDs for both Apple and Android devices.

  • By Susan Miller

Automation risks creating a two-tier workforce of haves and have-nots

As workplaces welcome more automated processes, staff members must learn modern skills to thrive in a tech-centric environment.

  • By Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, The Conversation

DHS wants answers on how well digital identity systems work

As more state and local agencies turn to identity proofing tech to weed out fraudsters trying to access government services, further testing on how identity validation systems work is needed.

  • By Natalie Alms

Is generative AI bad for the environment? A computer scientist explains the carbon footprint of ChatGPT and its cousins

As the carbon footprint of generative AI models continues to grow, one expert suggests leveraging renewable energy resources to keep up with user demands.

  • By Kate Saenko, The Conversation

White House releases new AI national frameworks, educator recommendations

Three new initiatives offer guidance on developing and deploying responsible AI usage, call for public input on AI risk mitigation and address how educational systems can be improved by AI systems.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

City greenlights autonomous vehicle testing for public transit

Phoenix wants AV providers to test automated driving systems to help it make decisions about future public transit.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

Digital twins for cities promising, yet problematic

Complex systems like digital twins pose both technical and adaptive challenges, so communities must ensure they have both the right technology and the people with skills to use and maintain them, a new IDC report advises.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz

Fish and Wildlife to deploy drones in battle against invasive plants

To protect native plants and reduce equipment impact on the environment, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will deploy aerial drones to spray invasive plants with herbicides.

  • By Bill Lucia, Washington State Standard

Engagement, access, equity drive city’s evolution

Waterloo, Iowa, has 12 smart city projects lined up based on four pillars: e-government, sustainability, transportation and public safety.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz

ChatGPT can rapidly build solutions for network defense

A new report outlines how the generative AI tool can quickly build scripts to thwart attackers and identify security vulnerabilities, but stresses that secure and responsible use of the evolving technology is essential.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz
Featured eBooks

Interior wants a fleet of drones ‘on call’ to help with wildfires, other emergencies

While the program will be used any time additional drone support is necessary, it will primarily be used to assist with wildfires, emergency response and search and rescues, among other tasks.

  • By Aaron Boyd

Housing authority looks to AI for voucher processing

Columbus wants to use an artificial intelligence-based solution to off-load routine tasks from staff and accelerate Housing Choice Voucher processing.

  • By Susan Miller

State AG floats ‘nation-leading’ crypto regulation

The legislation would protect investors and consumers by increasing transparency and eliminating conflicts of interest, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.

  • By Chris Teale

NSF jumpstarts regional innovation with $20M awards

The National Science Foundation will fund research in six states to advance energy-water systems, biomanufacturing, health care, wildfire management and artificial intelligence.

  • By Susan Miller

New AI research funding to focus on 6 areas

Seven new artificial intelligence laboratories aim to support human health and development research and cyber defenses as well as aid climate-resilient agricultural practices.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

Buyer beware: Avoid immature AI solutions

Given the sensitivity of the data state and local governments handle, procurement officers must educate themselves on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and use caution when considering AI services.

  • By Stephanie Kanowitz

AI exemplifies the 'free rider' problem – here's why that points to regulation

Some public officials and business leaders have called on tech companies to pause AI development to reduce overall risk and ensure benefits are widely distributed, but one expert says enforceable regulations may be necessary.

  • By Tim Juvshik, The Conversation