Technology Archives - Ascend Magazine Website

Insight, Technology, Voices

September 21, 2023

Do chatbots understand you? Exploring bias and discrimination in AI

To what extent does AI have the potential to exhibit bias and discrimination? And how might humans implement the technology in a way that curbs these tendencies? In his latest piece for Ascend, Rick Borges discusses the ethical implications of widespread AI implementation and explores what could be done to address them.

AI, Regulation, Rick Borges

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Technology

Regulation doesn’t happen without the technological tools and approaches regulators use to serve millions in a digital world.

AI, Regulation, Rick Borges

September 21, 2023

Do chatbots understand you? Exploring bias and discrimination in AI

To what extent does AI have the potential to exhibit bias and discrimination? And how might humans implement the technology in a way that curbs these tendencies? In his latest piece for Ascend, Rick Borges discusses the ethical implications of widespread AI implementation and explores what could be done to address them.

AI, Big Tech, Harry Cayton, Regulation, Regulatory Capture, self-regulation

September 13, 2023

AI requires people-centric regulation to succeed: Cayton

Artificial Intelligence has much to offer for good as well as for harm, and the need to regulate emerging AI technologies in some way has become apparent. In this article, Harry Cayton argues that instead of trying to regulate an entire international industry, AI regulation requires a precise approach that focuses on the people who create it and use it.

Cloud computing, Digital Government, Digital transformation, Regulation, U.S.

August 30, 2023

Demystifying cloud: How government agencies are moving toward a digital future

Cloud computing seems to be the way of the future in both the public and private sectors. But what is this technology? How does it work? And how can it help optimize day-to-day work processes for regulators? We explore these questions and more in this Insight piece.

AI, Athletic Trainers, Licensing Reform, Montana, New Brunswick, Nursing, Pennsylvania, Professional Licensing, Regulation, South Carolina, Veterans

August 7, 2023

US State Department prepares to release first-ever AI strategy: Weekly regulatory news

The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy. This week in regulatory news, the U.S. State Department begins outlining its plans for the use of AI tools, Montana moves to eliminate continuing education requirements for nurses, and much more.

Arizona, Artificial intelligence, Big Tech, Finance, Indiana, Licensing Reform, Mental Health, New Hampshire, Professional Licensing, Regulation, United Kingdom

July 31, 2023

UK financial regulator outlines approach to Big Tech, AI: Weekly regulatory news

The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy. This week in regulatory news, Financial Conduct Authority CEO Nikhil Rathi outlines regulatory approach to Big Tech and AI, four of the most influential AI companies announce creation of an industry body to oversee advanced AI development, and more.

AI, Harry Cayton

May 25, 2023

Cayton asks ChatGPT: Is AI a good thing or a bad thing?

Is AI a good thing or a bad thing? It's a question that's currently top of mind for lawmakers and citizens alike as the development of increasingly powerful AI technologies continues at a rapid pace. As Harry Cayton recently contemplated this question, he decided to ask ChatGPT to see what it had to say.

Cryptocurrency, Digital Government, Finance, Regulation

April 28, 2023

A timeline of cryptocurrency regulation in America (Part 4): The Crypto Collapse

Our series on the history of cryptocurrency regulation in America concludes with a look at the 2022 crypto collapse. One after another, several major crypto firms filed for bankruptcy, causing Bitcoin and Ether to plunge in value. But even as many crypto founders faced criminal charges, the regulatory environment was still characterized by confusion and contradictions.

Cryptocurrency, Digital Government, Finance, Regulation

March 30, 2023

A timeline of cryptocurrency regulation in America (Part 3): The 2021 Bull Run

Part 3 of our series on the history of cryptocurrency regulation in America looks at the 2021 Bull Run. During this period, which culminated in Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of $68,000, disagreements continued over the classification of Ether as a commodity and calls for regulatory clarity grew louder.

Cryptocurrency, Digital Government, Finance, Regulation

February 24, 2023

A timeline of cryptocurrency regulation in America (Part 2): Enter Ethereum

Part 1 of our series on the history of cryptocurrency regulation in America looked at the burgeoning years of cryptocurrency – mainly Bitcoin – and the attempt to regulate it through criminal enforcement actions. In Part 2, GovTech and regulation lawyer Sean Gellis covers the birth of the Ethereum network, the 2017 Bull Run, and the long crypto winter that followed it.

Cryptocurrency, Digital Government, Finance, Regulation

January 27, 2023

A timeline of cryptocurrency regulation in America (Part 1): Have regulators been clear?

In the wake of a tumultuous year for cryptocurrency, governments around the world are making moves to regulate digital currencies. While recent headlines suggest a flurry of scattered efforts to apply rules to govern cryptocurrency and its exchanges, this is a continuation of a regulatory trend.

Crypto’s history with regulators, lawmakers, and enforcement agencies spans a decade, but it can be challenging to make sense of it all. In the first part of this series on the history of cryptocurrency regulation, Ascend contributor Sean Gellis explores how the two have intersected over time, taking us back to the origins of digital currency and a comprehensive timeline of early cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S.

Cloud computing, Data virtualization, Digital Government, Government Technology, Occupational licensing, Occupational Regulation

August 4, 2022

Data virtualization in regulation: Use cases and practical considerations

How can people with different roles in the regulatory process harness the power of data virtualization to help with their daily work? We look at this and more in our latest Ascend article.

Cybersecurity, Digital Government, IT, U.S.

June 22, 2022

Cybersecurity defense: What frameworks work for regulators?

For as long has information technology has existed, so too have malicious actors seeking to exploit network vulnerabilities to obtain compromising information. In response, organizations worldwide, private and public alike, have created frameworks for cybersecurity compliance. But what do these frameworks look like, exactly? And how do they work for regulators? We look at this and more in our latest Ascend piece.

AWS, Connecticut, Cybersecurity, Digital Government, IBM, IT, Network outsourcing, Oklahoma, U.S., Virginia

June 2, 2022

Network outsourcing in the US government: Past, present, and future

Today, networks carry more information — and more types of information — than ever before. The ubiquity and cost of network technology has forced U.S. government officials at every level to consider outsourcing its management to the private sector. But what does that implementation look like, exactly? We take a look at this and more in our latest Ascend article.

Cloud computing, Data virtualization, Digital Government

April 13, 2022

Data virtualization and regulation: Creating a logical digital fabric for government leaders

Government leaders often find themselves analyzing data from multiple discrete sources in their everyday work. In the past, physically integrating this data has proven to be a costly and time-consuming process. Thanks to data virtualization, however, regulators can now access data from many different sources without relocating any of it. Here we look at the basics of data integration as well as different ways governments have adopted the technology.

Artificial intelligence, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Colorado, Digital Government, Illinois, Kansas City, Machine Learning

March 30, 2022

AI is already happening in digital government: Real-world examples of practical machine learning

Machine learning (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), involves training algorithms with data to the point where they improve themselves independently over time. How can government leaders make use of this technology to further the public interest? Where has ML succeeded in the public sector over the past 20 years?

Credential security, Cybersecurity, Digital Government

March 25, 2022

Credential security 101: How regulators can protect electronic user credentials

Credentials are among the most sought-after pieces of data by malicious actors in the cybersecurity space. With the right set of passwords, a cybercriminal can breach many systems, accessing a treasure trove of other, more sensitive information. Here we break down the basics of credential security as well as measures regulators can take to safeguard electronic information.

SPECIAL REPORT

Updated: A breakdown of all interstate licensing compacts

The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
This week in regulatory news, a review commission identifies barriers to licensure amidst Virginia’s statewide teacher shortage, a U.K. architecture board recommends reforming educational requirements, and more.

FEATURED TOPIC

Regulatory Licensing

Insight Process

Goals-based Regulation

A look at common approaches to regulation

While there are a wide range of approaches to regulation, broadly speaking, three common approaches prevail – rules-based (prescriptive), goals-based, and management-based regulation. In this article, we break down these three common approaches and take a look at their benefits and challenges.

Goals-based Regulation Management-based Regulation Regulation Rules-based Regulation

Insight Technology Voices

AI

Do chatbots understand you? Exploring bias and discrimination in AI

To what extent does AI have the potential to exhibit bias and discrimination? And how might humans implement the technology in a way that curbs these tendencies? In his latest piece for Ascend, Rick Borges discusses the ethical implications of widespread AI implementation and explores what could be done to address them.

AI Regulation Rick Borges

Podcast

David Benton

David Benton on health care regulation, technology, and risk: Ascend Radio

In this episode of Ascend Radio, David Benton, CEO of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), sits down with Ascend Magazine Editor Paul Leavoy to discuss technology in health care regulation, the upcoming next-generation NCLEX exams, regulating support workers, and much more.

David Benton Health Care Licensing Reform NCSBN Nursing Professional Licensing

In Brief Regulatory News

Cosmetology

Massachusetts considers mobile sports betting licenses: Weekly regulatory news

The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
Massachusetts gaming regulators review applications for mobile sports betting licenses, Kentucky expands assessment options for teachers, and more in our weekly look at regulatory news.

Cosmetology Education Gambling Housing Kentucky Massachusetts Mississippi Montana Occupational licensing Oklahoma Professional Licensing Teachers Universal Licensure

In Brief Regulatory News

Alaska

Virginia approves universal license recognition: Weekly regulatory news

The Week in Brief is your weekly snapshot of regulatory news and what's happening in the world of professional licensing, government technology, and public policy.
This week in regulatory news, Virginia approves universal licensure legislation, Alaska makes it easier for licensed professionals who move to the state to get to work faster, France passes stringent licensing rules for crypto firms, and much more.

Alaska Cryptocurrency DEI Education France Health Care Regulation labor shortages Licensing Reform Professional Licensing Regulation Tennessee Texas U.S. Universal Licensure Virginia

Insight Policy Voices

Harry Cayton

When perception trumps science in assessing regulatory risk, we all lose

Experts like Malcolm Sparrow commonly assert that regulation is about the prevention of harms. But in order to prevent harms, we must understand risk – and this is where it gets complicated for policymakers. In this Voices article, Harry Cayton explores how our perception of risk in many parts of our lives differs from the actual risk of harm, and how this can distort regulatory policy.

Harry Cayton Regulation risk-based regulation

Insight International Policy Voices

COVID-19

‘New normal’ asks us to question original regulatory requirements

The global pandemic has introduced a number of changes to regulation and licensing around the world. But are they permanent? And if regulatory requirements were loosened, were they even necessary in the first place? In this Voices column, leading regulatory authority Harry Cayton explores the pandemic’s impact on regulation.

COVID-19 pandemic Professional Licensing Regulation

Insight International Policy Voices

Finance

‘The people piece’: The key role of people in regulatory transformation

Regulatory transformation is not only about changing an organization’s technology and processes; it is also about empowering and engaging its people throughout the journey. In this article, Rick Borges looks at the key role that people play as enablers of regulatory transformation.

Finance Regulation Regulatory Transformation U.K.

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