Technology

Dave Lesher and Ryan Sabalow in the CalMatters newsroom work on Digital Democracy on April 3, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Commentary

‘Digital Democracy’ project penetrates California’s opaque political processes

Technology has slowly made its way into Capitol politics, but access to political data has taken a quantum leap with the introduction of Digital Democracy, an immense, accessible transparency tool created by CalMatters.

By

Dan Walters

• April 12, 2024

Technology

Californians get hacked all the time. The state’s top cybersecurity job is vacant

Gov. Newsom has yet to appoint a commander who is tasked with informing businesses and governments of cybersecurity threats.

By

Khari Johnson

• April 11, 2024

Commentary

Wall Street is betting big on AI. California consumers must be protected

Wall Street banks are spending billions to research AI and patent tools while regulations and public safeguards are lagging. California's proposed rules for automated decision-making and other privacy protections are a step in the right direction.

By Justin Kloczko • March 26, 2024

Dermatologist Dr. Margaret Parsons at her practice, Dermatology Consultants of Sacramento, in Sacramento on March 18, 2024. The practice experienced a cyber attack in early February. Five weeks later, they are still having issues with their network. Photo by José Luis Villegas for CalMatters

Technology

California doctors struggle to make payroll one month after ransomware attack

A cyber attack crippled claims processing nationwide, forcing doctors and hospitals to forgo payments and risk medical supply shortages.

By

Khari Johnson

and

Ana B. Ibarra

• March 21, 2024

A sign outside of Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York City on Nov. 17, 2021. Photo by Andrew Kelly, Reuters

Technology

Large California companies will soon face new rules on how they use AI

The multi-year process started in late 2021 took the next step toward regulating business use of AI in California. The rules are expected to be influential given the number of AI companies in the state.

By

Khari Johnson

• March 13, 2024

California Divide

‘A partner that never sleeps’: Surveillance towers extend Border Patrol’s California reach

The federal government is investing millions on border surveillance towers, while migrants in California face harsh conditions and delays in processing.

By

Wendy Fry

• January 30, 2024

Commentary

The collapse of California’s news industry is so severe it’ll require taxpayer support to rebuild

The collapse of local news is so severe that it'll require public dollars and other policies to rebuild. A combination of tax credits, revenue sharing and coupons in markets like Los Angeles could bring stability.

By Steven Waldman • January 26, 2024

Two people in the foreground observe a large poster titled "OK, Computer," featuring an illustration of a human and a green-skinned humanoid figure with exposed circuitry staring intently at each other. The humanoid has a device attached to its head, suggesting a connection to artificial intelligence. The text on the poster references the AI revolution and Silicon Valley’s latest technological advancements. The image is framed in a dimly lit setting, with the focus on the futuristic artwork.

Commentary

How long will California lawmakers let tech companies make them look like fools?

Lawmakers in California and elsewhere can no longer take the tech industry’s word when their armies of lobbyists make the case that they police themselves and shouldn’t be held accountable. The basis for that trust is nonexistent.

By Casey Mock • January 23, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to the media after announcing the state's plan to address homelessness across the state at Cal Expo in Sacramento, on March 16, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Journalism preservation bill gives California newsrooms much-needed leverage over Big Tech

News publishers in California are divided over proposed legislation that would require tech giants to set aside money for newsrooms. A journalism expert says Assembly Bill 886 would finally force Big Tech to the bargaining table.

By Courtney C. Radsch • January 22, 2024

CalMatters reporter Ben Christopher and others interview California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2018. Photo by Robbie Short, CalMatters

Commentary

Lawmakers must ensure that preserving California journalism doesn’t enable clickbait

News publishers in California disagree on legislation that would require tech giants to pay newsrooms for content that has become essential to their platforms. A digital media advocate worries that Assembly Bill 886 would favor larger outlets and incentivize clickbait.

By Mike Rispoli • January 22, 2024