Technology

Commentary

California cities should not impose cable-era taxes on streaming services

Despite a court ruling that says local utility laws don't cover streaming services, several California cities are considering taxing the companies similar to cable. As TV broadcast groups lobby federal regulators for additional rule changes, tech advocates are concerned about the impact on consumers.

By Guest Commentary • August 8, 2023

Commentary

California teens use social media nonstop. Teaching media literacy in schools could protect them

As the first generation to grow up in a digital world, teens are susceptible to influencer marketing, staged content and misinformation. A legislative proposal would help add media literacy to K-12 education so California children are better equipped for life on social media.

By Guest Commentary • August 2, 2023

Commentary

How a Supreme Court immigration case could help California regulate social media

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving free speech protections and immigration law reaffirmed a longstanding view that could help lawmakers in California and elsewhere attempting to regulate harmful social media algorithms.

By Guest Commentary • July 24, 2023

College Beat

California professors test out AI in the classroom, even as cheating debate continues

While some California college professors remain concerned about students using generative AI such as ChatGPT to cheat in class, a growing number are choosing to encourage its limited use in classroom assignments. From analyzing films to writing research proposals, the assignments seek to convey the benefits of AI as a research tool while acknowledging its limitations and propensity for error.

By Rocky Walker • June 14, 2023

Health

California’s digital privacy battle: It’s police vs. civil libertarians, with an abortion twist

California is considering banning the use of "reverse search warrants," which compel tech companies to disclose the identities of individuals based on the location of their phone and internet search history. Abortion activists call it vital.

By Kristen Hwang • June 2, 2023

Commentary

As lawmakers struggle to act, California schools turn to the courts to combat social media

In March, the San Mateo County School Board became the first California school district to sue social media companies for their role in the youth mental health crisis. As state lawmakers struggle to overcome the power and influence of tech giants, local schools are now looking to the courts for help.

By Julie Lynem • May 11, 2023

Commentary

Tech industry wants to derail data privacy protections sought by California voters

The California Privacy Protection Agency is currently drafting regulations sought by voters in 2020 that, if done effectively, will increase transparency for algorithms and help consumers opt out of automated decision-making. But the law is under attack from tech giants and special interest groups.

By Guest Commentary • May 5, 2023

WhatMatters

Changing the world, one electric truck at a time

Now that California has opted to phase out diesel trucking, the state will find out in the years to come which was right: the aspirations of environmentalists or the warnings of the trucking industry.  On Friday the California Air Resources Board unanimously voted to ban the sale of new diesel big rigs, delivery and garbage […]

By Lynn La • May 1, 2023

Commentary

New state auditor report pinpoints California’s high-tech failures

Despite California's status as the world capital of high technology, its state government has been spectacularly unable to employ technology efficiently.

By Dan Walters • April 24, 2023

Commentary

AI poses difficult policy questions. California lawmakers will want to answer them

Artificial intelligence will pour gasoline onto existing tech battles while also introducing a whole new set of policy problems. With partisan gridlock hindering Washington D.C., the early battles could be waged in Sacramento.

By Jarrett Catlin • March 20, 2023