President Joe Biden has issued an executive order authorizing the US attorney general to prevent the large-scale transfer of Americans’ personal data to countries of concern, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The order targets data brokers and requires several departments to roll out new protections. It also addresses the transfer of health data and personal data threats in the telecommunications services sector.
Here’s something you don’t hear every day – regulation saved money. According to research by the National Bureau of Economic Research, compliance costs of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have led businesses to reduce data storage by over a quarter and data processing by 15%.
The UK government is actively promoting the use of AI to replace civil servants in tasks such as drafting responses to parliamentary inquiries. UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden is set to unveil AI tools that can absorb and summarize information from reputable sources. While AI technology is seen as critical to cutting civil service jobs, Dowden emphasizes that it won’t be used in novel, contentious, or politically sensitive areas. The government’s AI division is set to expand with a larger budget.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasizes the need for mandatory cybersecurity regulations to hold companies accountable for poor practices. The Biden administration has been working to implement mandatory cyber requirements for critical infrastructure sectors, and Mayorkas believes that U.S. tech companies are becoming more receptive to these regulations. Mayorkas shared this approach during the Munich Security Conference, highlighting the importance of shifting the burden of security onto tech manufacturers while fostering innovation and public-private partnerships.
Why do we care?
Data compliance saving money! That should be a headline! But why – because of being deliberate of what data they collect, and thus collect less. Data management brings cost savings AND security. But how often does this get used to help customers understand?
I’m also noting the accountability element of new laws. Consider a moment the software vendor’s responsibility for issues in their code. An end user license agreement may not forever protect from responsibility, and frankly, I’m all for it.