Technology

A group of students using laying in the grass near a sidewalk looking at a cellphone while a man runs past them.

Technology

Brazil gives parents social media controls for their kids. Why doesn’t California?

California is leading on kids’ data privacy in the U.S. but still lags internationally.

By Colin Lecher • July 28, 2026

A person wearing a red shirt and a headset sits in front of a desk and types into a keyboard, in a dimly lit room with a window overlooking a residential street.

Technology

Kaiser nurses say technology is making their jobs — and patient care — worse

Call center nurses at the health giant said workplace surveillance tools and AI prioritize speed and cost savings over quality and safety.

By Khari Johnson • July 9, 2026

An illustration shows a person using a laptop in front of a blurred California privacy website, with yellow pixel-like blocks scattered across the image to suggest digital data. The stylized artwork uses a limited color palette and visual elements that evoke online privacy and information security.

Technology

Californians can protect their personal data with one click. Help us test if it works

A new state tool lets you tell data brokers to stop tracking you. Will they comply? Help us investigate.

By Colin Lecher and Mohamed Al Elew • June 30, 2026

A student wearing headphones and a backpack walks down a staircase inside a university building. Behind them, an electronic stock ticker displays company names and share prices beneath a large sign reading “Innovation Incubator.” Glass walls, railings and multiple levels of the building frame the scene.

Higher Education

Cal State faculty push to prevent AI tools from replacing them as schools and staff experiment

The union representing California State University professors is contesting the system's use of artificial intelligence tools and backing legislation that would protect their jobs from the technology.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • June 19, 2026

An illustrated composite image shows two people in conversation, one taking notes while the other appears distressed. Audio waveforms, a microphone icon and the word “REC” are layered over the scene, suggesting a recorded or transcribed discussion.

Mental Health

Your medical provider might be recording your mental health care visits

Mental health professionals at Kaiser are raising concerns about an artificial intelligence tool that records medical appointments, saying it should have more safeguards.

By Roxsy Lin • June 16, 2026

The exterior of a California state office building with the Great Seal of the State of California mounted above the entrance. American and California flags fly on poles in front of the building, and the words “State of California” are engraved above the entryway.

Politics

California admits using high-risk AI — including systems it failed to report last year

State officials have found they are using six high-risk AI-like systems. One year ago, they reported using zero.

By Khari Johnson • June 15, 2026

A bilingual sign inside a California DMV office reads “DMV Start Here / Comience Aquí.” A smaller hanging sign below directs visitors to vehicle registration services. The signs are mounted above a service area with modern lighting and metal architectural details.

Technology

California Legislature in standoff with DMV over sharing driver license data with other states

California lawmakers are holding up money the Newsom administration requested for a nationwide driver license database over concerns that the information could lead to deportations.

By Khari Johnson and Wendy Fry • June 12, 2026

Illustration of Alice from Alice in Wonderland, dressed in a patient gown, falling down a rabbit hole surrounded by buttons that say “I accept” and privacy policies

Technology

The form asked my permission to share my health data. Then it wouldn’t let me say no.

To experience what patients have to do to opt-out of having their data shared, I went to doctor’s appointments in seven states. One clinic showed me how easily dark patterns force patients to share their data with big healthcare networks, even when the privacy form they’re signing explicitly says they can opt-out.

By Alex Rosenblat • May 27, 2026

A view of the front facade of a courthouse in Los Angeles, with the sunlight reflecting off the building and a pole with an American flag waving in the air in front.

Technology

California judges are testing a new AI clerk, and you won’t know if it’s looking at your case

Courts in Los Angeles and Riverside counties are testing an artificial intelligence tool and deciding whether it can be used in high-stakes criminal cases.

By Cayla Mihalovich and Khari Johnson • May 26, 2026

A person wearing glasses speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk in a government hearing room, with nameplates visible on the desks and other people blurred in the background.

Technology

It’s easier for Californians to escape data brokers following a CalMatters investigation

CalMatters and The Markup showed how website code could make it harder for Californians to exercise their right to remove personal data. Now much of that code has disappeared.

By Colin Lecher • May 22, 2026