Media Library (91)

SIIA Opposes Advancement of Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, Expresses First Amendment Concerns

by Policy

The following statement from the Software & Information Industry Association can be attributed to Paul Lekas, Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy.

“SIIA is disappointed that the Senate Judiciary Committee voted this morning to advance the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA).  Our First Amendment concerns with the bill remain. In addition, the bill could be read to prejudge a whole series of legal and policy issues around training data, generative AI and content creation.  SIIA continues to oppose floor consideration of the bill in its current form.”

Media Library (88)

SIIA Submission to NTIA on AI Accountability

by Policy

SIIA joins many of our members in providing feedback to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA’s) Request for Comment on Artificial Intelligence and Accountability Policy. First and foremost, our response is focused on contemplating a workable definition and scope for AI accountability.

We believe the development of accountable AI requires a risk-based approach. Although existing frameworks already govern many of the concerns we share regarding AI, such a risk-based framework should be the starting point for developing those laws and regulations to fill the gaps in accordance with the risk of harm presented by AI development. This is naturally a different question for AI systems that, for example, determine consumer eligibility for financial or employment opportunities than it is for pedestrian AI features such as autocorrect.

Furthermore, we strongly support sector-based governance of AI systems. Government agencies that already possess deep expertise in consumer protection issues that may implicate AI need not be supplanted, but rather require additional funding to upskill their workforce to grapple with the challenges and opportunities posed by AI.

Finally, we believe federal legislation that clarifies and enhances oversight of AI systems could be beneficial. This is important to avoid the inefficient and costly “patchwork” of regulations we currently see proliferating in regulatory areas such as data privacy protection. It would also enable the US to lead the world in AI development along with sensible regulation developed with expert input.

Read Full Letter Here
Media Library (87)

SIIA Joins Coalition Letter to OPPOSE California AB 1546 (Gabriel)

by Policy

SIIA joins multiple organizations in opposing California AB 1546 (Gabriel), a bill that aims to extend the statute of limitations for civil enforcement actions under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

We argue that businesses have already faced challenges in complying with the CCPA due to delays in implementing regulations, and extending the limitations period for the AG’s enforcement actions would further burden businesses. We emphasize the need to focus on achieving compliance rather than extended enforcement. The organizations question the need for the bill, as there have been no examples of time-barred claims since the CCPA was passed, and there is already vigorous enforcement in place. And argue that preserving the existing statute of limitations does not harm consumers and maintains the same penalties for violations. We highlight the benefits of shorter limitations periods, such as deterring future violations and preventing additional harm to consumers. The organizations contend that seeking parity between administrative and civil enforcement actions is unnecessary and unfair, considering the differences in experience and resources between the California Privacy Protection Agency and the AG. And criticize AB 1546 for overlooking important differences between administrative and civil enforcement and the potential impact on businesses, consumers, and the legal system.

Overall, we oppose CA AB 1546, stating that it is ill-timed, unwarranted, unfair, and undermines the positive effects of shorter limitations periods.

Read Full Letter Here
Media Library (86)

SIIA Joins Multi-Org Letter to White House on Digital Identity in National Cyber Strategy

by Policy

SIIA joins multi-organization letter that addresses the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, specifically focusing on the need to address digital identity challenges. The organizations commend the Administration for recognizing the importance of digital identity in combating identity-related cyber attacks. They emphasize that the current digital identity infrastructure has significant weaknesses that allow organized criminals and nation-states to exploit and steal billions of dollars. Identity theft is on the rise, with data breaches impacting millions of individuals and resulting in substantial financial losses. The letter highlights that neither the public nor private sector has been successful in solving this problem.

As digital identity challenges continue to grow, the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. The rise of identity theft and the exploitation of weak identity infrastructures by organized criminals and nation-states underscores the vulnerabilities present in today’s systems. Organizations must prioritize robust solutions that protect their users’ data from these escalating threats. In this environment, Managed It Support plays a crucial role in implementing and maintaining secure digital identity systems that reduce the risk of fraud and unauthorized access. These expert services ensure that businesses can protect sensitive information while staying ahead of emerging cyber risks.

The organizations propose three priorities for the implementation plan of the Strategy.

  • Launch a White House Task Force to accelerate the availability of tools that can guard against identity-related cybercrime.
  • Prioritize work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on identity and attribute validation services – with a focus on developing a Digital Identity Framework of standards and best practices to help agencies at all levels of government establish attribute validation and other digital identity services in a way that is standardized, and sets a high bar for security, privacy, and equity
  • Launch an effort to document the ways that investments in digital identity infrastructure can generate budget savings.

By implementing the proposed priorities, the government can enhance cybersecurity, protect individuals from identity-related cybercrime, and create a more secure and efficient digital environment.

Read Full Letter Here
Media Library (94)

SIIA Joins Coalition Letter on California AB 886 (Oppose)

by Policy

SIIA joins 12 civil society and industry organizations value free speech and local journalism to oppose AB 886, the California Journalism Preservation Act. While acknowledging the crisis faced by local journalism, these organizations argue against the bill’s premise that digital services are responsible for siphoning revenue from news sites through linking and traffic redirection.

Further, AB 886 is unconstitutional in numerous ways:

● It interferes with interstate commerce, by imposing a tax on linking to out-of-state content by
Californians.
● It violates the First Amendment by forcing websites to link to content against their choice.
● It is in conflict with the Supremacy Clause because it requires payment for the display of headlines, ledes, facts, and other elements of copyrightable works that the Copyright Act provides are freely accessible. For the same reason, AB 886 is expressly preempted by Section 301(a) of the U.S. Copyright Act.

Read Letter to California State Assembly
Read Letter to California State Senate