Technology

in committee · United States · House Feb 26, 2026

HR 7738: Government Surveillance Transparency Act of 2026

The Government Surveillance Transparency Act of 2026 limits how long courts can keep surveillance orders, applications, and related documents sealed (maximally 180 days initially, with limited extensions), and requires courts to make key details about these surveillance cases publicly available through docket records. It mandates law enforcement to provide notice to individuals whose communications were surveilled, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, and establishes new reporting requirements for courts about surveillance orders. The bill also creates grants to help state and tribal courts implement these transparency requirements. This law directly affects federal, state, and tribal courts, law enforcement agencies, and individuals whose communications are subject to surveillance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires public disclosure of surveillance orders and notification to individuals, enhancing law enforcement transparency and civil rights protections in criminal justice.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyLimits secrecy of surveillance orders, mandates public disclosure and individual notice, strengthening data privacy protections95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Tags Government Transparency Privacy

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in committee · United States · Senate May 1, 2025

S 1561: SECURE Notarization Act of 2025

This bill establishes uniform standards for electronic and remote notarizations across state lines. It requires notaries to use communication technology for remote notarizations, verify identities through two methods (like ID checks or witness testimony), and create audio-visual recordings of the process. The law ensures courts and states recognize valid remote notarizations performed under these rules, treating them as equivalent to in-person notarizations. It explicitly preserves state authority over notary practices and does not force notaries to offer remote services.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires secure identity verification and audio-visual recordings for remote notarization, enhancing cybersecurity standards for digital transaction security.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Feb 11, 2026

HR 7491: Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act

HR 7491, the Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act, protects attorney-client communications for incarcerated people by prohibiting government monitoring of their electronic messages with lawyers. The bill requires the Attorney General to create or modify a secure system within 180 days that excludes privileged communications from monitoring, while allowing retention of these messages until the person’s release. It mandates strict safeguards: law enforcement can only access retained communications with a court-issued warrant (requiring U.S. Attorney approval), and a U.S. Attorney must review messages first to ensure privileged content isn’t accessed; they’re also barred from participating in related legal cases. This directly affects incarcerated individuals communicating digitally with their attorneys or legal representatives, including through systems like the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects attorney-client privilege for incarcerated individuals, advancing defendant rights and fair legal representation in criminal justice.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates secure system to protect attorney-client digital communications from government monitoring, directly enhancing data privacy safeguards in digital communications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Feb 12, 2026

HR 7540: United States-Israel FUTURES Act of 2026

This bill establishes the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate joint development and integration of defense technologies between the two countries. It directs the U.S. Secretary of Defense, with Israel’s agreement, to identify Israeli-origin technologies for rapid adoption into U.S. military systems, focusing on areas like counter-drone systems, missile defense (including "Golden Dome for America"), AI, cyber defense, and directed energy. The initiative requires annual congressional reporting on progress, partnerships with industry, and technology transitions, while authorizing $150 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2029. It aims to strengthen bilateral defense innovation and streamline the use of Israeli technologies within U.S. military programs.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly prioritizes joint development of defense tech including cyber defense and AI, advancing cybersecurity capabilities through military cooperation with Israel.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · Senate May 1, 2025

S 1546: Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2025

The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2025 clarifies patent eligibility under U.S. law by eliminating judicial exceptions to Section 101 of the Patent Code. It makes most inventions eligible for patents unless they fall into specific excluded categories: mathematical formulas not tied to a practical invention, mental processes, unmodified human genes or natural materials, or purely economic/business processes (unless requiring machine use). This directly affects inventors, patent applicants, and courts by restoring clear eligibility rules after years of judicial confusion. The bill ensures business method patents remain eligible if they require practical machine implementation, while maintaining existing requirements for novelty and non-obviousness under Sections 102, 103, and 112.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRemoves judicial barriers to patenting tech inventions, strengthening innovation incentives for inventors and tech development.95% confidence

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 19, 2025

S 626: SOCIAL MEDIA Act

This bill requires social media platforms to create a 24/7 law enforcement portal with direct contact information for investigations and publish a link to it on their homepage. It establishes an FTC advisory committee to develop standardized reporting metrics on how platforms monitor illegal content (like counterfeit drugs or fentanyl advertisements), refer such content to law enforcement, and respond to official requests. Platforms must publicly report annually on these metrics, including response times to subpoenas and referrals made. The Federal Trade Commission enforces the requirements, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices under existing law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates social media platforms to provide law enforcement access for investigating illegal content, enhancing investigative capabilities within criminal justice framework.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates social media platforms to monitor illegal content (e.g., fentanyl ads) and report to law enforcement, regulating for consumer protection and public safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Social Media

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in committee · United States · House Dec 11, 2025

HR 5360: AWARE Act

HR 5360, the AWARE Act, requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create and publish public educational resources about AI chatbot safety within 180 days of the bill becoming law. These resources will specifically help parents, educators, and minors (under age 18) understand safe AI chatbot use, including how to identify risks, privacy practices, and supervision strategies. The FTC must model these materials after its existing Youville program. The bill defines "AI chatbot" as consumer-facing interactive AI systems but does not regulate or restrict chatbot development or use.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates FTC to create educational resources for parents, educators, and minors about AI chatbot safety, directly supporting education by enhancing digital literacy and safety guidance.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates FTC to create public resources on AI chatbot privacy practices and safety, directly advancing consumer protection in data privacy and digital rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · House Dec 11, 2025

HR 6265: Safer GAMING Act

The Safer GAMING Act requires online video game providers to give parents default-enabled tools to limit communication between their minor children (under 18) and other players (including adults) within interactive online games. Providers must make these privacy and safety controls easy to use, automatically active on minors' accounts, and only adjustable by parents. The Federal Trade Commission enforces these requirements as deceptive practices, and states can also take action to stop violations. This directly affects parents of minors who play online games with chat or voice features, aiming to reduce exposure to inappropriate interactions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates default privacy controls for minors in online games, requiring tech providers to protect user data and enforce safety measures via FTC enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Online Safety

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 25, 2025

S 710: Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act of 2025

S 710, the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act of 2025, requires crypto kiosk operators (machines exchanging cash for digital currency) to register locations with the Treasury, provide clear transaction disclosures, and implement anti-fraud measures. Key provisions include mandatory physical receipts with detailed transaction info, $2,000 daily and $10,000 total limits for new customers, blockchain analytics to block fraudulent wallet transactions, and a 30-day refund window for victims of fraud with law enforcement reports. Operators must also appoint compliance officers, maintain anti-fraud policies, and provide 24/7 customer service helplines. The law applies to all U.S. and territory kiosks and preempts conflicting state laws while allowing stricter state protections.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires blockchain analytics for fraud prevention and consumer protections, enhancing cybersecurity and digital transaction security in crypto ATMs.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · House Sep 15, 2026

HR 7625: MTS CYBER Act of 2026

HR 7625, the MTS CYBER Act of 2026, mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review to assess the U.S. Coast Guard's budget and staffing needs for fulfilling its role as a Sector Risk Management Agency (SRMA) for maritime cybersecurity. The bill requires the GAO to evaluate Coast Guard funding for cybersecurity personnel, training, and enforcement; staff capabilities to monitor industry compliance; and guidance provided to maritime businesses against industry best practices. This review, due within 270 days of the bill’s enactment, aims to determine if current resources allow the Coast Guard to effectively protect the marine transportation system (MTS) - which includes ports, vessels, and waterways supporting $2.1 trillion in economic activity - from cyber threats. The findings will be submitted to relevant congressional committees to inform future funding decisions for the Coast Guard’s cybersecurity responsibilities.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates GAO review of Coast Guard cybersecurity staffing/funding to strengthen maritime cybersecurity infrastructure and industry compliance monitoring.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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