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ACM Media Center

ACM's global Technology Policy Council has released a TechBrief asserting that access to technology is essential for people with disabilities. The policy document outlines how accessibility has not been sufficiently integrated into the lifecycle of technology development and presents several measures to address the problem. "This TechBrief emphasizes that an accessible digital world is achievable with the right commitments and actions," said co-lead author Sarah Horton of Harvard University.

From "ACM Urges Baseline for Accessibility-Driven Technology Development"
ACM Media Center (05/07/25)
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Reuters

The White House plans to rescind and modify a rule set to take effect on May 15 that would curb exports of AI chips, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed on Wednesday. The regulation was aimed at restricting AI chip and technology exports to rivals by dividing the world into tiers based on each nation’s relationship to the U.S. The Commerce spokeswoman said officials "didn't like the tiered system" and that the rule was "unenforceable." She added that debate was continuing on the best course of action.

From "U.S. to Rescind, Replace Global AI Chip Export Curbs"
Reuters (05/07/25) Karen Freifeld; Arsheeya Bajwa
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Bloomberg

The datacenters that power AI consume large amounts of water to cool hot servers and, indirectly, from the electricity needed to run these facilities. A Bloomberg analysis found that about two-thirds of datacenters built or in development since 2022 are in places already experiencing high levels of water stress in the U.S. In China and India, an even greater proportion of datacenters are located in drier areas.

From "AI Is Draining Water from Areas That Need It Most"
Bloomberg (05/08/25) Leonardo Nicoletti; Michelle Ma; Dina Bass
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China Daily

Beijing will host a global humanoid robot competition Aug. 15-17, featuring events such as floor exercises, football, and dance, Jiang Guangzhi, director of the Beijing Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, announced Wednesday. "There are many challenges for robot technology innovation, product upgrades, and applications," Jiang said. "It is imperative to strengthen global exchanges and cooperation and enhance interaction and collaboration among research, industry, and end-users."

From "Beijing to Host World Humanoid Robot Games"
China Daily (05/08/25) Wang Songsong
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CNBC

Google and nuclear developer Elementl Power have signed an agreement to develop three sites for advanced reactors, with Google to provide early-stage development capital. Each site, when completed, is expected to generate at least 600 megawatts of power capacity, with Google given the option to purchase the power. The proposed locations for the sites have not been disclosed.

From "Google Agrees to Fund Three Nuclear Sites"
CNBC (05/07/25) Pippa Stevens
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TechRadar

In a recent memo published online, U.S. Department of Defense CIO Katherine Arrington introduced the Software Fast-Track (SWFT) initiative to reform software acquisition, authorization, and testing. Arrington explained the SWFT Framework will define "clear" and "specific" cybersecurity and supple chain risk management requirements, strict software security verification processes, and secure information sharing mechanisms. Arrington also noted the use of open source software "presents a significant and ongoing challenge," with a lack of visibility into the origins and security of software code particularly troubling.

From "DOD Shakes Up Software Procurement"
TechRadar (05/07/25) Craig Hale
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