#TechPolicy

[adafruit]

Desk of Ladyada - Tariff Talk! ASK AWAY! 📦🌎💸

We're doing the show tonight or Tues, so much is going on. Lots more questions came in too! Post yours before we go live…

This week was not a big week for engineering because we're neck-deep in tariff management! We had a video on Wednesday about the first round of tariffs announced—they have since been ratcheted up to 20% + 125% = 145% minimum on products from China and Hong Kong. "Retaliatory" tariffs on products from other countries have been paused, but there's still a 10% global tariff.

Then on Friday, it looks like some HTS codes

were "exempted" temporarily

Let's take a look at the CBP (link) and the exempt tariff codes

and see how they might apply to the kinds of stuff we use to do our electronics engineering.

The Great Search - How to Source Tariffed & Non-Tariffed Items on DigiKey

https://www.digikey.com/short/2nb7nzb3

Since this is the topic of the day, we'll be looking at how to purchase an item from DigiKey with tariffs in mind. DigiKey is a free trade zone, which means that if you're not in the USA, you will not have to pay additional tariffs on goods that are re-exported. However, for USA destinations, the new tariffs can add a significant cost if the component has its last manufacturing step in China.

Let's use the example of a simple I2C-controlled temperature sensor to see how our sourcing decisions may be impacted by tariffs.

[futuretrendstoday]

Google Updates AI Ethics Policy Amid Growing Military AI Use:

Big Tech’s Shift Toward AI-Powered Defense

Google has quietly revised its AI ethics principles, removing a key pledge to refrain from developing artificial intelligence for weapons or harmful technologies. The change comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke an executive order from former President Joe Biden, which sought to promote the safe and ethical development of AI.

The update has sparked concern among human rights advocates, as Google’s previous commitment explicitly ruled out developing AI for technologies that cause harm, facilitate injury, or violate international norms on surveillance and human rights. The shift aligns Google with a growing trend of AI militarization among major tech companies, raising questions about the future role of AI in global defense strategies.

Tech Giants Increasingly Involved in Defense

The military integration of AI has accelerated in recent months. In September 2024, top officials from the Biden administration met with leading AI firms, including OpenAI, to discuss the national security implications of AI. A month later, the administration announced an initiative to leverage AI for defense purposes, signaling a shift in policy that big tech companies quickly followed.

Meta, for instance, announced in November 2024 that its Llama AI models would be made available to U.S. defense and national security agencies—despite its own policies prohibiting military applications. Around the same time, Anthropic partnered with Palantir and Amazon Web Services to provide AI solutions to intelligence and defense sectors. OpenAI soon joined the trend, collaborating with defense startup Anduril Industries to integrate its AI models into U.S. military drone defense systems.

National Security Interests vs. Ethical Concerns

Defending these policy shifts, companies cite geopolitical competition and national security threats. Google, in a recent blog post, pointed to the global AI race, rising tensions with China, and evolving security landscapes as justification for its revised AI principles.

This development follows the ongoing U.S.-China trade war over AI technology. The U.S. imposed export controls on advanced AI chips to China in October 2022, prompting retaliatory restrictions from Beijing on key raw materials for chip manufacturing. More recently, the emergence of highly efficient AI models from China’s DeepSeek, allegedly developed using U.S.-banned Nvidia chips, has further intensified competition. The growing tensions appear to be shaping how U.S. tech firms approach AI policy, particularly regarding defense applications.

The Human Cost of AI in Warfare

AI’s role in military operations has already raised ethical alarms. In the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Israeli military has reportedly relied on advanced AI tools, developed with infrastructure support from Microsoft and Google, to identify targets. However, soldiers have acknowledged inaccuracies in AI targeting, contributing to a rising civilian death toll, which Gaza authorities estimate has surpassed 61,000.

With Google’s removal of its pledge against AI applications that cause harm, human rights advocates warn that these policies may lead to further ethical dilemmas. International law emphasizes “security of person” as a fundamental right, and critics argue that Google’s policy shift undermines these principles.

The Growing Need for AI Safeguards

Despite Google’s assurance that its AI products will align with international human rights principles, organizations such as Human Rights Watch remain skeptical. They highlight the company’s failure to provide concrete explanations on how it will uphold ethical AI use while working with defense agencies.

The revocation of Biden’s executive order has further removed regulatory guardrails on AI development, making independent oversight more critical than ever. While the order was not without flaws, it represented an effort to establish responsible AI guidelines—guidelines that now seem to be fading as tech companies deepen their involvement in defense initiatives.

As AI becomes increasingly intertwined with military operations, global leaders and advocacy groups face mounting pressure to implement safeguards that prevent the unchecked proliferation of AI-driven warfare technologies.

[whatshappeningintheworlds-blog]

A bill that President Joe Biden approved mandates that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, give out its assets within nine months to a year in order to prevent the applicability of an effective ban in the US.

What You Think🤔 About It Tell Me In Comment💬

[samalexs-stuff]

Why Lawmakers Are Urging Action on Chinese Agricultural Drones

US lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations on Chinese agricultural drones to mitigate national security risks. As farming technology evolves, should security or innovation take precedence? Let’s dive into the potential risks and solutions.

Store link: https://samliglobal.en.alibaba.com/

Zhongshan Samli Drones Co. Ltd

CONTACT US

WhatsApp: +86 152 1870 3002

We chat: Samli 2022

mail address: info@samliglobal.com

[shimanshijji]

Why Lawmakers Are Urging Action on Chinese Agricultural Drones

US lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations on Chinese agricultural drones to mitigate national security risks. As farming technology evolves, should security or innovation take precedence? Let’s dive into the potential risks and solutions.

Store link: https://samliglobal.en.alibaba.com/

Zhongshan Samli Drones Co. Ltd

CONTACT US

WhatsApp: +86 152 1870 3002

We chat: Samli 2022

mail address: info@samliglobal.com

[aihanleyue]

Why Lawmakers Are Urging Action on Chinese Agricultural Drones

US lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations on Chinese agricultural drones to mitigate national security risks. As farming technology evolves, should security or innovation take precedence? Let’s dive into the potential risks and solutions.

The rise of Chinese agricultural drones in the US has sparked debates around national security, data privacy, and environmental impacts. Lawmakers are pushing for new regulations and domestic manufacturing incentives to ensure US farmers are protected and innovation continues.

What do you think about the use of Chinese drones in US agriculture?

Store link: https://samliglobal.en.alibaba.com/

Zhongshan Samli Drones Co. Ltd

CONTACT US

WhatsApp: +86 152 1870 3002

We chat: Samli 2022

mail address: info@samliglobal.com

[ipconsultinggroup-1]

U.S. Copyright Office Releases Landmark Report on the Copyright Status of AI-Generated Content

Key Highlights from Part 2 of the U.S. Copyright Office’s Report on AI-Generated Works

Annie Allison of Haynes Boone outlines the U.S. Copyright Office’s latest findings on whether AI-generated content qualifies for copyright. In Part 2 of the Office’s report, the main takeaway is clear: copyright protection in the U.S. requires human authorship and creativity.

The report stresses that AI-generated outputs without meaningful human input aren't eligible for copyright. However, three scenarios may allow protection:

Assistive AI Use – When AI supports, but doesn’t replace, human creativity.

Expressive Inputs – When human-created content is input into AI and remains clearly visible in the output.

Creative Selection/Arrangement – When humans modify or arrange AI-generated material in original ways.

The Office rejects the idea that AI prompts alone establish authorship, citing the unpredictability of AI outputs. It also notes that current laws are flexible enough to handle new technologies, including AI, without needing fresh legislation.

Globally, countries like the EU, Japan, and China are also developing their own approaches to AI and copyright. But the U.S. remains firm: authorship must come from a human.

📌 Follow IP Consulting Group for more IP-related updates.

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[steadyscopemedia]

President Donald Trump has granted ByteDance 75 more days to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations, pushing the deadline past the original April 5 cutoff. 🇺🇸📱

This move allows more time for negotiations and regulatory approvals as national security concerns remain a key issue. Will TikTok find a buyer in time, or is the app still at risk?

[fraoula1]

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐀𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐧 2025

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally. A major focus has emerged on autonomous agents—self-operating software that acts on behalf of users. A 2025 Deloitte report indicates that a remarkable 80% of businesses are exploring these autonomous agents. Among the frontrunners in this journey is India, which is seeing a significant rise in the adoption of Agentic AI. As enterprises recognize the potential of these technologies, India is set to lead in this evolving landscape.

Understanding Agentic AI

Agentic AI refers to systems designed to perform tasks autonomously, often mimicking human decision-making. These can include chatbots, virtual agents, and intelligent control systems. Businesses aiming for greater efficiency are increasingly integrating Agentic AI into their operations.

According to Deloitte, the Indian market for AI technologies is expected to reach $7.8 billion by 2025, which equates to a growth rate exceeding 40% annually. This growth emphasizes the increasing reliance on AI-driven solutions across various sectors including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

The Landscape of AI Adoption in India

As of mid-2023, India is establishing itself as an AI hub. It attracted over $1.7 billion in AI-related investments in 2022, as noted by NASSCOM. This trend is driven by India’s robust tech ecosystem, characterized by a skilled workforce, research institutions, and governmental support.

A key factor in the rise of Agentic AI in India is the combination of a young population and growing internet penetration. With more than 700 million internet users, India has one of the largest digital user bases worldwide. This rapid digitalization creates opportunities for businesses to leverage AI to meet changing customer demands.

Industry-Specific Applications of Agentic AI

Finance

The financial sector is a major adopter of Agentic AI in India. AI-driven chatbots help streamline customer service and algorithms are employed to detect fraudulent activities in real-time. A PwC study shows that financial institutions using AI can cut operational costs by as much as 25%.

For example, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank utilize AI to improve user experiences and enhance operational efficiency. These technological advancements lead to higher customer satisfaction and a more secure banking environment.

Healthcare

In healthcare, Agentic AI is transforming diagnostics and patient care. With challenges like accessibility and workforce shortages, AI systems can predict patient needs and enhance treatment plans.

A specific example is the use of AI tools for early disease detection. These tools provide actionable insights to doctors and streamline patient management. Research reveals that implementing AI in healthcare can lower costs by up to 30%, making quality care more accessible.

Retail

In the retail sector, Agentic AI enhances customer engagement through personalized recommendations and automated inventory management. Companies like Flipkart and Reliance Industries harness AI to analyze consumer behavior, tailoring product offerings accordingly.

According to a McKinsey study, retailers that employ AI-driven systems report revenue increases of 10% to 20%. This demonstrates how innovation in a fast-paced market helps businesses achieve substantial results.

Challenges and Barriers to Adoption

Despite the vast potential of Agentic AI in India, several challenges remain. Data privacy concerns are significant, as businesses navigate complex regulations while managing customer data.

Additionally, there is often a knowledge gap regarding AI technologies within parts of the workforce. Initiatives for upskilling and reskilling employees are essential for effective collaboration with AI systems.

The Role of Government and Policy

Government initiatives are critical to shaping India’s AI landscape. The National AI Strategy, established in 2018, aims to foster a favorable environment for AI innovation and address ethical concerns. Through various programs and funding, the government supports AI research and encourages startups to pursue Agentic AI solutions.

The creation of research centers and partnerships with academic institutions boosts India's capabilities in AI development, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Future Outlook and Trends

The future of Agentic AI in India looks promising, with several trends likely to influence its development.

Increased Investment

As AI technology advances, investment in AI startups is expected to increase. Venture capital firms are increasingly focusing on this sector, fostering competition and innovation. By 2025, the Indian AI industry is projected to soar to $25 billion, driven by technological improvements and industry partnerships.

Enhanced Collaboration

Collaboration between businesses, academic institutions, and the government is essential for advancing Agentic AI. Creating cross-industry partnerships enables knowledge sharing, allowing stakeholders to leverage each other's strengths and promote innovation.

Expansion Beyond Urban Centers

While cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai currently lead in AI development, the potential for growth in tier-2 and tier-3 cities is vast. Fostering technological innovation outside urban hubs can result in a more equitable growth model for India’s AI landscape.

Looking Ahead

The exploration of autonomous agents is reshaping the business landscape in India, with 80% of enterprises committed to developing Agentic AI solutions. By overcoming existing challenges and promoting collaboration, India can unlock the full potential of Agentic AI. This move isn't just a technological shift; it's a chance for India to enhance its position in the global economy, utilizing AI to drive various industry futures.

The rise of Agentic AI in India represents more than a trend; it is a vital part of the country’s digital transformation. As businesses increasingly embrace these technologies, the opportunities are endless, heralding a new era of efficiency and intelligence across multiple sectors.

[adafruit]

The Great Search - How to Source Tariffed & Non-Tariffed Items on DigiKey 📦🌎💸 https://youtu.be/I-eD6FSM0bU

[coookie-banner]

Federal judge slams the brakes on billionaire Elon Musk's government efficiency team, forcing them to DELETE all personal Social Security data they've collected on millions of Americans under the Trump administration.

[tejkohli25]

AI in Government Policies? What's Next?

Governments worldwide are increasingly incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into policymaking, public administration, and regulatory frameworks. AI has the potential to streamline governance, improve decision-making, and enhance public services, but it also raises concerns about privacy, bias, and accountability. As AI adoption grows, what’s next for AI in government policies, and how will regulation evolve?

For a deeper discussion on why AI alone won’t shape the future, explore this expert analysis.

How AI is Shaping Government Policies

1. AI in Public Administration and Governance

AI is being used to analyze data for policy development, improve decision-making, and optimize public sector operations.

Governments leverage AI in healthcare, law enforcement, and economic planning to enhance efficiency.

AI-driven tools help identify patterns in social behavior, infrastructure needs, and public services demand.

2. AI Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Ethics

Governments are implementing AI ethics frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability.

Key concerns include bias in AI decision-making, citizen privacy, and data security.

Regulatory efforts aim to prevent AI misuse while fostering responsible AI development.

3. AI for National Security and Law Enforcement

AI-powered facial recognition, predictive policing, and cyber threat detection are reshaping law enforcement.

Governments are debating the ethical implications of AI surveillance and citizen monitoring.

Policymakers must ensure that AI use in security does not compromise civil liberties and human rights.

What’s Next for AI in Government Policies?

1. AI-Driven Economic and Taxation Policies

AI can be used for tax fraud detection, financial forecasting, and automated economic modeling.

Smart AI algorithms help policymakers design effective taxation and investment strategies.

AI-powered analysis allows for real-time assessment of economic trends and financial stability.

2. AI in Healthcare Policy and Crisis Management

Governments use AI to predict and prevent disease outbreaks, optimize healthcare resource allocation, and enhance medical research.

AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are improving public health communication.

AI can aid in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and medical diagnostics.

3. Global Collaboration on AI Governance

Countries are working together to develop international AI governance frameworks.

AI regulations must align with cross-border data policies, ethical standards, and security concerns.

Initiatives like the EU AI Act and the UK AI Strategy set precedents for AI regulation worldwide.

Tej Kohli’s Perspective on AI in Government

Tech investor Tej Kohli has emphasized that governments must approach AI adoption and regulation strategically. His key insights include:

AI should be used to improve governance without infringing on privacy rights.

Policymakers must collaborate with AI experts to create balanced regulations.

Investments in AI should align with long-term national development goals rather than short-term political interests.

Conclusion

AI’s integration into government policies marks a transformational shift in governance. However, careful regulation, ethical considerations, and responsible implementation are crucial to ensure that AI benefits society without compromising security, privacy, or human rights. Governments must strike a balance between leveraging AI for progress and safeguarding democratic values.

[wireless-wonders-uk]

Big Tech Challenges EU’s Strict AI Regulations at Techarena Conference

Executives from Google and Meta voiced their concerns about the European Union’s stringent approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulations during the Techarena tech conference in Stockholm. They argued that excessive oversight is holding back technological innovation, affecting product rollouts, and creating unnecessary obstacles for businesses in the AI space.

Concerns Over AI Regulation

Chris Yiu, Meta’s Director of Public Policy, criticized the European regulatory landscape, stating that while regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) were already complex, the AI Act had further complicated the development and deployment of new technologies. He cited the delays in launching Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses in Europe as an example of how strict regulatory measures slow down innovation. These smart glasses, which can translate speech and describe images for visually impaired users, faced setbacks due to compliance challenges with the EU’s regulatory system.

Similarly, Dorothy Chou, Google DeepMind’s Head of Public Policy, pointed out a fundamental flaw in Europe’s approach: the AI Act was introduced in April 2021, before OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022. She argued that regulating AI based on outdated assumptions creates unnecessary barriers and fails to keep up with technological advancements. Chou emphasized the need for policies that encourage responsible AI development while ensuring the industry remains competitive and innovative.

Big Tech Pushes Back Against the EU’s Approach

Big Tech companies have increasingly intensified their opposition to the EU’s AI regulations. Google’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, recently criticized the bloc’s approach, calling the EU’s General-Purpose AI (GPAI) regulations a “step in the wrong direction.” Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Joel Kaplan, also expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the new AI rules go beyond the AI Act’s original requirements and are impractical to implement.

The conflict between European regulators and U.S. tech giants has escalated, with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration backing calls for a more flexible regulatory environment. At the international AI Action Summit in Paris, U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Europe of focusing too much on AI regulation rather than fostering technological growth and investment.

Venture Capitalists and Startups Join the Debate

It’s not just Big Tech that’s pushing back against Europe’s regulatory framework. Many venture capitalists (VCs) and startup founders argue that the region’s fragmented and complex compliance requirements make it difficult for new AI-driven businesses to thrive. Antoine Moyroud, a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, pointed out that while the U.S. has launched initiatives like the $500 billion Stargate investment project to support AI, Europe has focused too much on regulation, creating a discouraging environment for AI startups.

To address these challenges, European entrepreneurs have proposed a new initiative called the “28th regime,” which aims to standardize regulations across EU member states, reducing compliance burdens for businesses. Prominent startup leaders like Stripe CEO Patrick Collison and Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus support this initiative, hoping it will create a more favorable environment for tech startups to compete globally.

The Future of AI Regulation in Europe

As AI continues to evolve rapidly, the debate over regulation versus innovation remains a key issue in Europe. While regulators insist that strict policies are necessary to ensure ethical AI development and data privacy, tech companies argue that these restrictions could slow down progress and leave Europe trailing behind the U.S. and China in AI advancements.

With increasing pressure from both Big Tech and the startup ecosystem, the EU may need to reconsider its approach to AI regulation, balancing the need for oversight with the imperative to foster innovation. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Europe adapts its policies to create a more business-friendly environment or continues with its strict regulatory stance.