TTIP Tech Talk Recap

A special thank you to our sponsors: Pinpoint Targeting, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Mercedes-Benz North America Corporation, and National Association of Broadcasters. We could have not pulled off this event without your support.

We were joined by Shaneka Henson, Maryland State Delegate and Stacey Rolland, Founder at Zero One Strategies, who led an engaging and insightful discussion on the latest developments in technology policy, providing valuable perspectives on the future landscape.

Tech Talk Takeaways

1. AI is transforming government services, the job market, and various industries, yet ethical guidelines at the state and federal levels remain largely undefined. Constituents are both excited and apprehensive about the future. Delegate Henson highlighted that in Maryland, the primary concerns she hears from constituents regarding technology policy revolve around AI's potential impact on the job market, the risk of job displacement, its use by law enforcement and potential effects on public safety, and the need to ensure public services remain accessible as AI adoption grows and the digital divide widens.

2. While federal activity largely stalls, states continue to lead in passing tech and telecom policies. However, the lack of uniformity across states creates significant compliance hurdles for tech companies and adjacent industries operating nationwide. Navigating different regulations across the country is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses seeking consistency in their operations.

3. While we may not see federal comprehensive legislative action on AI and data privacy moving forward, we may see individual bills on AI move through the National Defense Authorization Act or another broader legislative package. Pressure remains on Leader Schumer and the Senate to move forward on their policy roadmap, and stakeholders wait in anticipation of the upcoming report from the House AI Task Force in December.

4. The landscape of technology policy is evolving as women continue to break into what has traditionally been a male-dominated field, playing an increasingly influential role in shaping key policies. As Stacey Rolland put it, “women bring a maturity to setting tech policy,” and organizations like WGR are crucial to bridging that divide.

Warm regards,