Legislation
Ongoing coverage on Legislation.
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European Commission's proposed EU Kids Act could see online games forced to enact stricter age verification amid new rules around accounts for under 15s
The European Commission is proposing the EU Kids Act, which would mandate stricter age verification for online games and other digital services for users under 15. The legislation aims to protect minors from exploitation by requiring tiered account systems and parental controls, though concerns about data protection and anonymity remain.
OpenAI calls for California to strengthen its AI safety laws
OpenAI is urging California to enhance its AI safety laws, specifically requesting amendments to the state's SB 53 framework to include expanded safeguards. The company believes these changes are necessary to strengthen protections in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
Bitcoin Tags $70,000 for the First Time Since June 2 — The Three Forces Behind the Break
Bitcoin briefly surpassed $70,000 for the first time since June 2, driven by political developments and a Treasury Department bond buyback operation. President Donald Trump's support for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and a scheduled procedural vote in September are seen as positive catalysts, while increased liquidity from Treasury operations also contributed. However, concerns about potential interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve and ongoing disagreements over crypto legislation could impact future price movements.
Congressional Staffers Sound Alarm as AI-Written Text Creeps Into Federal Bills
Congressional staffers are raising alarms about the increasing use of AI-generated text in federal legislation, with one office reporting a 72% surge in requests. Concerns include AI-written text being submitted by external groups, leading to extra work for legislative counsel to correct errors and ensure accuracy. This issue mirrors problems seen in AI's use in legal filings, where fluency can mask a lack of precision required for statutory language.
AI-generated bills are reportedly causing problems in the Capitol
The US House Office of Legislative Counsel is reportedly overwhelmed by error-filled bills generated by artificial intelligence. These AI-produced legislative documents are causing significant problems due to their inaccuracies.
CLARITY Act’s odds slide to 10% as Trump hosts Coinbase, Ripple and Wall Street exchanges
The odds of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act being signed into law have significantly decreased, with predictions now as low as 10%. This comes as President Donald Trump is set to host executives from major crypto exchanges like Coinbase and Ripple, alongside traditional Wall Street players and regulators, for a meeting on August 19th. The bill faces challenges due to disagreements over ethics, restrictions on government officials, and stablecoin rewards, with limited time remaining in the legislative calendar.
TD Cowen gives the Clarity Act just a 1-in-4 shot this September
TD Securities estimates the Clarity Act, a crypto market structure bill, has only a 25% chance of becoming law in September, citing potential procedural hurdles and Democratic opposition. The bill's path forward is described as difficult, with a 75% probability of failure. Key points of contention include amendments related to ethics and anti-money-laundering provisions.
Ro Khanna calls for the right to oppose data centers to be protected
Congressman Ro Khanna is advocating for a "Data Center Bill of Rights" to protect the public's ability to oppose the construction of data centers. This initiative aims to give communities more power in decisions regarding data center development.
“A Moonshot”: Clarity Act Ethics Text Under White House Review as Senate Recess Closes In
The Clarity Act, a bill concerning cryptocurrency regulation, is facing a tight deadline for Senate review before a scheduled recess. Ethics language for the bill is currently under White House review, with Senator Thom Tillis stating that passage before the break would be a "moonshot" unless the Senate delays its departure. Despite industry support, the bill's progress is hindered by ongoing negotiations and procedural hurdles.
Evening Legal Briefs
The Senate has advanced the Kids Online Safety Act out of committee. This legislative development indicates progress on the bill aimed at protecting children online.
Senate advances the latest Kids Online Safety Act out of committee
The Senate has advanced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) out of committee, following the House's passage of its own version in June. This legislation aims to enhance online safety for minors.
Engagement Ring
Roblox is reportedly set to be subject to additional European Union legislation targeting social networks due to its user numbers. The article also briefly mentions the 10th anniversary of the game Overcooked! and its milestone of 100 million chefs.
Morning Legal Briefs
The Digital Equity Act, initially repealed, has had parts of its legislation reinstated following senatorial demands. This development is part of ongoing discussions regarding policy changes and legislative actions.
xAI is challenging a new Minnesota law banning 'nudify' apps
xAI, founded by Elon Musk, has filed a lawsuit challenging a new Minnesota law that prohibits the creation of nonconsensual intimate imagery through AI. The company seeks to prevent the enforcement of this legislation.
The UK will legalize plug-in solar on August 27
The United Kingdom has announced that plug-in solar panels will be legalized starting August 27. This marks a significant step towards increasing renewable energy adoption.
Morning Legal Briefs
The European Union Parliament has advanced "Chat Control 1.0," a measure that would allow companies to scan user data without warrants. This legislative tactic was employed to force a re-vote on the majority-required measure before the parliamentary break.
Bahnhof avslöjar internetoperatörers censur-överenskommelse
Swedish internet provider Bahnhof has revealed an industry agreement among several operators to collaborate on new legislation for easier website blocking, following court orders to block content related to Premier League and major film studios. Bahnhof has refused to sign this agreement and is publicly sharing the court rulings and the industry accord, while informing its customers about the blocked sites.
CA Senate Kills Stop Killing Games Bill
The California State Senate has killed AB 1921, also known as the Protect Games Act. This bill, which had previously passed a floor vote, failed to advance in committee. The legislation aimed to regulate certain business practices within the video game industry.
ESA lobbyist claims Minecraft & Call of Duty community servers are illegal
An Entertainment Software Association lobbyist claimed that community servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty are illegal during a hearing for California's Protect Our Games Act. The bill, which aimed to provide consumer protections for game preservation and prevent the shutdown of older games, was ultimately voted down in committee. The ESA's stance may surprise players who have long utilized community servers for Minecraft.
"We were only three votes away": Stop Killing Games-backed California bill to keep online games playable fails to win over senate committee
A California bill, the Protect Our Games Act, which aimed to ensure online games remain playable or offer refunds when servers are shut down, failed to pass a senate committee vote. The bill, backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign, was three votes short of advancing. Despite the setback, campaigners plan to reintroduce the bill in future sessions and explore similar legislation in other states and at the federal level.
