US States Surge in Tech Policy: Data Privacy, Content Moderation Bills Flood In
The tech landscape in the US has seen a flurry of activity, with states introducing hundreds of bills focused on data privacy, content moderation, and competition. Meanwhile, the German federal government has been quiet on its technological policy for 2024, with discussions centering around reducing bureaucracy and increasing university funding.
In the realm of data privacy, several states enacted new laws in 2023, more than doubling the number of states with comprehensive privacy legislation. Florida's law, however, has a unique scope, limiting applicability to businesses meeting specific revenue and service criteria. Arkansas and Utah passed laws implementing age verification and usage restrictions for certain online platforms, sparking data privacy and constitutional concerns.
The International Energy Agency highlighted the role of reliable nuclear energy in reducing fossil fuel dependence, a relevant aspect in energy and technology policy debates. This comes as the German government has not specifically announced technological policy decisions for 2024, with available information focusing on requests to reduce bureaucracy and increase funding for rapid construction initiatives at universities and research institutions.
Over 200 pieces of legislation focused on regulating online content were introduced in 2023. Many of these bills were unconstitutional or conflicting with federal law. Several states introduced proposals regulating the use of AI in online content moderation, and many content moderation proposals were paused due to pending litigation. Additionally, several states introduced proposals establishing default content filters on devices, potentially creating barriers to open online information access.
Washington enacted the My Health, My Data Act, and Nevada passed SB 370 to protect health data. California's Age-Appropriate Design Code is facing a legal challenge, and other states introduced similar proposals to protect children's online safety. Connecticut established stronger privacy protections for younger users with amendments to the Connecticut Data Privacy Act.
The US tech landscape in 2023 was marked by a surge in state-level legislation, with a focus on data privacy, content moderation, and competition. Meanwhile, the German federal government has not yet announced specific technological policy decisions for 2024, with discussions centering around reducing bureaucracy and increasing university funding. As these policies evolve, their impacts on businesses, innovation, and consumer rights will be significant.
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