Policy Blog Templates (15)

SIIA Joins Industry Associations in Voicing Concerns Over Proposed Cybersecurity Regulations

by Policy

The letter, submitted on behalf of SIIA and various associations, raises concerns about the proposed Customer Identification Program (CIP) and its limited effectiveness in addressing national security threats posed by malicious cyber activities. Instead, the associations recommend focusing on the Abuse of IaaS Products Deterrence Program (ADP) and industry collaboration to develop cybersecurity best practices. They highlight potential privacy implications of the CIP, especially internationally, which could erode trust in U.S. IaaS providers and hinder global business relationships. Additionally, the letter suggests splitting the rule to separately consider AI model reporting requirements to allow for more thorough consideration of legal, technical, and policy concerns, while also proposing scoping these requirements to countries of concern to avoid diplomatic strains with allies. Despite these concerns, the associations express commitment to working with the U.S. government to achieve shared national security objectives.

 
 
 
 
Full Letter Here
SIIA Neal Awards 70 Finalist Badge (1)

SIIA Media Announces Winners for the 2024 Jesse H. Neal Awards

by Neal Awards

New York, NY (April 26, 2024) – The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) proudly unveils the distinguished victors of the 70th Annual Neal Awards, recognizing excellence in business-to-business (B2B) journalism, marking a milestone in its enduring legacy of celebrating journalistic prowess. 

The Jesse H. Neal Awards stand as the pinnacle of editorial distinction within the realm of B2B journalism, showcasing the finest contributions across various industries. This year, a total of fifty-four accolades were bestowed across 54 categories, culminating in the highly coveted Grand Neal Award, a testament to unparalleled journalistic merit across all domains. The illustrious Neal Awards Ceremony unfolded in person at the esteemed Pier 59 at Chelsea Piers in New York City. 

This year’s Grand Neal Award was awarded to Bloomberg Law’s In the Name of Protection, a best series accredited to: Ronnie Greene, Reporter and  Holly Barker, Reporter

“Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of business journalism, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of our journalists whose relentless pursuit of truth and insight enriches our understanding of commerce and industry,” stated Chris Mohr, President of SIIA. “Their dedication inspires us to continuously elevate standards and champion excellence in reporting. Our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s Neal Awards recipients. We extend our gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges for their crucial role in making this event a success.”

Editorial and Business Leaders at BNP Media Inc., Northstar Travel Group, and NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® received Leadership Awards

SIIA also honored the very best of specialized journalism through a series of leadership awards recognizing mentorship, vision, commitment and editorial ethics and courage:

  • Gwendolyn Wu, Reporter, BioPharma Dive at Industry Divewas selected as the 2024 McAllister Editorial Fellow. The Fellowship promotes the study of business media by placing fellows as teachers and advisors at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
  • Lexipol’s Janelle Foskett, Editor-in-Chief of FireRescue1.com & FireChief.com was selected as the winner of the Marianne Dekker Mattera Mentor Award. This award honors leaders who excel in mentoring and is presented in memory of Dekker, the long-time Editor in Chief of RNMagazine and Medical Economics to reflect her legacy of mentorship.
  • Jonathan Maze, Editor in Chief, Restaurant Business at Informa Connect received the 56th Annual G.D. Crain Jr. Award, which is given annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the development of editorial excellence in business media over the course of a career.
  • Mary Ellen Podmolik, Editor at Crain Communications received the The Timothy White Award for Editorial Integrity. The Timothy White Award was established to acknowledge the daily challenges and pressures that editors face. The award is given to an editor whose work displays courage, integrity, and passion.

View the Neal Awards gallery online which showcases all 2024 winners and finalists.

Following the Neal Awards, SIIA will also host one additional awards programs this June:

  • May 21: CODiE Awards, honoring excellence in business and education technology

For media inquiries, please contact Tony Silber at tsilber@siia.net.

About SIIA:
SIIA is the only professional organization connecting more than 500 data, financial information, education technology, specialized content and publishing companies. Our diverse members provide the critical data, content, and information that drives the global economy, informs financial networks, connects learners and educators, and drives innovation. Learn more at siia.net.

Policy Blog Templates (14)

SIIA Joins Opposition to AB 2013: Balancing Transparency and Feasibility in AI Legislation

by Policy
SIIA joins with other organizations in expressing opposition to AB 2013 (Irwin) in its current form, primarily due to concerns surrounding its implications. While supportive of transparency initiatives, the collective argues that the bill’s requirements regarding the disclosure of data used to train AI systems present significant challenges. Key among these concerns are the perceived burdensomeness and lack of clarity in defining crucial terms such as “training” and “developer.” The group stresses the necessity for targeted transparency measures to prevent consumer fatigue and avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens on businesses operating within multiple regulatory regimes. Critical suggestions for amendments include narrowing the bill’s scope to high-risk AI systems, clarifying definitions, and ensuring the protection of trade secrets and intellectual property. Additionally, alternative approaches to achieving transparency and accountability are proposed to mitigate the potential adverse effects on businesses. Furthermore, the organizations advocate for the bill to only apply to AI developed after its effective date and to explicitly preclude any private right of action.
Full Letter Here
Policy Blog Templates (13)

SIIA Joins Organizations in Expressing Concerns to FTC and DOJ on Proposed HSR Act Changes

by Policy
SIIA, along with 18 other organizations, expresses concerns about the proposed changes to the HSR filing process. While they believe wholesale revisions are unnecessary, they urge the FTC and DOJ to consider a modified rule. Recent statements suggest significant differences from the proposed rule, which is welcomed due to the burdens it would impose. Legal requirements necessitate a reproposal for substantially modified rules. Withdrawal of the original proposal is urged to allow for a new notice and comment process to evaluate potential impacts on U.S. merger policy and capital markets.
Full Letter Here
Policy Blog Templates (12)

SIIA’s Response to Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Sensitive Personal Data by DOJ, National Security Division

by Policy
This letter written by SIIA responds to the Department of Justice’s advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding Executive Order 14117, aimed at preventing access to Americans’ bulk sensitive personal data and U.S. government-related data by countries of concern. SIIA underscores the importance of aligning any new regulations with existing legal frameworks on privacy and sensitive data, while also cautioning against imposing compliance burdens that may outweigh the intended regulatory objectives, particularly concerning new “know your customer” rules.
Full Letter Here