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Georgia Turns to New Technology to Keep Traffic Smooth
Metro Atlanta will get an additional 1,000 smart traffic signals, adding to the 400 that are already in place, to make driving in the city’s traffic easier. These traffic signals share data to private companies that create apps that will tell a driver when the light is about to turn green, and software that detects and informs the user of crashes.
Ex-Senator and Georgia Tech Chief Join Innovation Task Force
Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan has created a 10-member Georgia Innovates Task Force to research and develop new technology that can benefit the metro area and the state, as a whole. The co-chairs of this task force are former Senator Johnny Isakson and former Georgia Tech President Bud Peterson. Other notable members of the task force include Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostick and Georgia Power CEO Paul Bowers.
Atlanta Police Testing Facial Recognition Technology
The APD has partnered with a private company to introduce AI in its day-to-day functioning. It allows an officer to take a picture of someone, upload it, and use facial recognition software to find public images of that person. The company, Clearview, says that they do not violate privacy as they only search the open web.
US Government-Funded Android Phones Come Preinstalled with Unremovable Malware
The US government is funding Android phones for low-income users. The malware that is installed in the phone cannot be removed without ceasing complete function of the phone. One of these is a code to install apps or software without letting the user know or obtaining his or her permission. It also has a Wireless Update, which allows for the phone to be updated but also allows for the implementation of unwanted apps.
Brookings Suggests Congress Invest in Regional Tech “Growth Centers”
The Brookings Institution has made a suggestion to Congress that it should invest $100 billion in 10 potential technology growth centers. This was done in an attempt to boost innovation outside of Silicon Valley and other common technology hubs. They believe that in order to spread the benefits of this technology boom, there should be a competition to see which areas get financial and regulatory support to boost their technology sectors.
Congress Passes Bill to Spur Veterans’ Participation in STEM Fields
The Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act, initially brought forward by Senators Rubio and Klobuchar, has passed both houses of Congress and is on its way to be signed into law by President Trump. The bill supports federal agencies in integrating veterans into the multitude of STEM jobs that are opening up around the country. It will update scholarships, grants, and programs to engage veterans in participation. There is also an effort to lower barriers for veterans and their spouses to enter the technology field.
