Technology — Biden to allocate $40 billion in internet connectivity

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View Online Technology Technology The Big Story  Biden to allocate $40 billion in internet connectivity  President Biden on Monday announced roughly $40 billion in funding to be allocated across the country in an effort to bring areas without internet access online in the coming years. © The Associated Press  The White House billed the announcement as the kickoff of a three-week "investing in America" blitz, in which Biden and other officials will highlight how money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other legislation passed under Biden are boosting infrastructure around the country.   "Just like Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered electricity to every home in America through his Rural Electrification Act, the announcement is part of President Biden's broader effort to deliver investments, jobs, and opportunities directly to working and middle-class families across the country," a White House official said.   Roughly 8.5 million locations across the country currently are not connected to the internet, the White House said.   Vice President Harris on Monday said 24 million people in the U.S. do not have access to high-speed internet either because they can't afford it or because they live in communities without a fiber optic connection.   Read more in a full report at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Technology newsletter, we're Rebecca Klar and Ines Kagubare — tracking the latest moves from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will be impacting the tech sector now and in the future: Congress limits ChatGPT use in offices The House is limiting the usage of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot that has skyrocketed in popularity since debuting in November, over privacy concerns.  Full Story Australia considers fining social media companies for fake news Australian officials are set to introduce legislation that would implement fines for social media companies that fail to remove disinformation and misinformation from their platforms.  The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Sunday that the parliament's Communications Minister Michelle Rowland plans to release the draft legislation, giving the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) new powers to hold digital platforms …  Full Story Dem senators ask Government Accountability Office for review of AI risks Democratic Sens. Ed Markey (Mass.) and Gary Peters (Mich.) are requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review the potential harms of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as lawmakers mull possible regulations for the booming industry. The senators asked the nonpartisan government agency to conduct a "detailed technology assessment" of the risks of generative AI tools and how to mitigate them in their letter …  Full Story Meta to follow through on Facebook, Instagram block in Canada after content bill advances Canadians will no longer be able to share content on Facebook and Instagram, after the country’s legislature passed a law requiring the social media platforms to pay news outlets to share their stories. Meta, the parent company of the platforms, announced Thursday that it would follow through on plans to block the platforms. "We have repeatedly shared that in order to comply with Bill C-18, passed today in Parliament, …  Full Story The Refresh  News we've flagged from the intersection of tech and other topics: Supreme Court sides with Google in copyright lawsuit The court rejected a lawsuit brought by music website Genius, which sued Google in 2019 for allegedly stealing song lyrics, Bloomberg reported.  Lithium battery creator dead at 100 John Goodenough, known for his role in developing lithium-ion battery, passed away on Sunday, The New York Times reported.  In Other News  Branch out with other reads on The Hill: NYC gets $25M for e-bike charging stations, seeking to prevent deadly battery fires NEW YORK (AP) — After a series of fires involving faulty e-bike batteries including a recent blaze that claimed four lives, New York City officials announced Sunday that they are receiving a $25 million emergency grant from the federal government to fund scores of charging stations citywide. Mayor … Full Story What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify before House Judiciary panel on July 12 FBI Director Christopher Wray is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on July 12, a spokesperson for the committee confirmed to … Read more Fox News overhauls prime-time lineup Fox News has announced major changes to its weekday prime-time lineup beginning next month. Jesse Watters’s 7 p.m. program will move to 8 p.m. … Read more What Others are Reading  Opinions related to tech submitted to The Hill: To control AI, its creators need to make some big changes   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Technology page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? 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