National Telecommunications and Information Administration
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Dual-Use Foundation Models with Widely Available Model Weights
Policy recommendations embracing openness in artificial intelligence (AI) while calling for active monitoring of risks in powerful AI models. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration recommends the U.S. government develop new capabilities to monitor for potential risks, but refrain from immediately restricting the wide availability of open model weights in the largest AI systems. “Open-weight” models allow developers to build upon and adapt previous work, broadening AI tools’ availability to small companies, researchers, nonprofits, and individuals.
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Tracking Project Progress in the Middle Mile Program
Across six Internet for All grant programs, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is already funding hundreds of individual projects, with hundreds more to come. A new type of data dashboard shows how the public can monitor the progress of construction and implementation related to projects in their area.
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Biden-Harris Administration Approves New Mexico and Virginia’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved New Mexico and Virginia’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This approval enables New Mexico and Virginia to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service. The action allows states to request:
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Biden-Harris Administration Approves Massachusetts' “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Massachusetts' Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Massachusetts to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program. The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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What’s Next for Digital Equity? Preparing for the Competitive Grant Program
As required by the Digital Equity Act, the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will be established soon, making hundreds of millions of dollars available in the first Notice of Funding Opportunity to implement digital inclusion projects. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates that funding be directed towards programs designed to empower those impacted by the digital divide, known as Covered Populations.
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Biden-Harris Administration Approves Utah, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ “Internet for All” Initial Proposals
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Utah, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Utah, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S.
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Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Information Sharing Between FCC, USAD, NTIA, and the US Treasury
The Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Covered Agencies) agree as follows:
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Online Health and Safety for Children and Youth: Best Practices for Families and Guidance for Industry
Digital technology use has the potential to both benefit young people’s well-being and to expose them to significant harms. The use of social media and digital technology can provide opportunities for self-directed learning, forming community, and reducing isolation. This can be especially important for youth who are marginalized or experiencing mental distress. This report summarizes the evidence on young people’s use of online platforms and the risks and benefits to their health, safety, and privacy.
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Biden-Harris Administration Awards $20.5 Million to Michigan to Implement Digital Inclusion Efforts
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded more than $20.5 million to Michigan to implement their Digital Equity Plan.