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A California federal judge has granted preliminary approval to Anthropic's $1.5 billion settlement in a copyright class action brought by authors—one of the largest AI legal rulings to date.Key Details:Settlement covers 482,460 books downloaded from pirate libraries (Library Genesis and Pirate Library Mirror) Authors to receive approximately $3,000 per book Anthropic must destroy all original and copied files Judge William Alsup called the settlement "fair" while noting the complexity of the claims process Judge Alsup emphasized the need for "excellent" legal work to manage this large-scale settlement "ethically," expressing confidence in the legal teams involved.Why This Matters: This landmark case proves that copyright protections remain robust in the AI era. Companies can't simply train on pirated content and hope for the best—there are real consequences.The settlement sends a clear message: AI innovation must respect intellectual property rights. As the industry races forward, legal accountability isn't just catching up—it's already here.

Copyright Isn't Dead—It Just Cost Anthropic $1.5 Billion

From today, the Data Act applies across the EU, reshaping how data from connected devices – including vehicles, robots, energy infrastructure – must be shared.🚗 Just before the deadline the European Commission released 🎈 Guidance on Vehicle Data 🎈 and ... we have already spotted some real issues...&nbsp;📡 Personal vs. non-personal data: the same streams may be “technical” in one context, but personal under GDPR in another. The boundary depends on use, not on the nature of the data – especially in the light of the recent judgment (EDPS vs SRB) which underlined the subjective nature of what qualifies as personal data.&nbsp;💣 Pre-processed vs. derived data: users are entitled to raw and simple processed data (averages, unit conversions), but not to “derived” outputs (eco-score, ADAS object detection). The line is thin – map-matching GNSS is in scope, while collision trajectory analysis is not. This puts hasztag#ADAS providers in a tricky position, as much of their value is built on exactly the type of “derived” insights that fall outside mandatory sharing.🌍 Important: these obligations apply not only to EU entities but also to non-EU manufacturers and operators if their vehicles are offered on the EU market.&nbsp;Stay tuned for more !#DataAct #Automotive #VehicleData #SyntheticLaw #RegulatoryCompliance&nbsp;

Guidance on Vehicle Data under EU Data Act

drone squad, quadrocopters, hologram, control system, high-tech technology, military technology, background, abstraction

<h2>U.S. skies not for Chinese-made drones.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding the security of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. This ANPRM is in line with Executive Order 13873, under which other rules have been finalized or are in the process of being finalized, not to mention the one on #ConnectedCars.&nbsp;Growing concerns: Similar to other rules, BIS is concerned about the potential risks associated with the involvement of China and Russia in the design, development, manufacture, or supply of information and communications technology and services (ICTS) that are integral to UAS.&nbsp;What's at stake? The potential for data exfiltration, remote access, and the ability of foreign adversaries to compel companies to cooperate in harmful activities.Key Components of Concern: The ANPRM specifically identifies on-board computers, communications systems, flight control systems, ground control stations, software, data storage, and AI applications as areas of concern.Broad Scope: The proposed rules could affect a wide range of stakeholders, including those in the agriculture, chemical, construction, energy, telecommunications, and other critical infrastructure sectors.&nbsp;Definitions of UAS: BIS is considering various definitions and is seeking input on which is most appropriate. Based on the many comments submitted during the Connected Car ANPRM, we anticipate this will be one of the critical issues.&nbsp;Supply Chain Risks: The request for comment seeks input on supply chain vulnerabilities and the geographic locations where key components of UAS are manufactured.&nbsp;The comment period closes on March 4, 2025. Make your voice heard!#UAS #Drones #Cybersecurity #NationalSecurity #SupplyChain #ICTS #DepartmentofCommerce #PublicComment #Rulemaking #Technology #BIS #China #Russiahttps://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-issues-advance-notice-proposed-rulemaking-secure-unmanned-aircraft-systems

U.S. Department of Commerce Seeks Input on Securing the Supply Chain for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

AI Laws and Regulations Concept. Hand typing on laptop with digital icons representing artificial intelligence, legal standard, ethics, and regulatory compliance, Technology law and policy, copyright,

<h2>What Are the ICTS Regulations?</h2>The U.S. Department of Commerce has just issued a final rule to formalize the authorities and procedures of the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS). This is a critical step in implementing Executive Order 13873, which aims to address the national security risks posed by vulnerabilities in the information and communications technology and services (ICTS) supply chain.ICTS encompasses a wide range of technologies, including hardware, software, and services that facilitate data processing, communication, and storage. The regulations aim to mitigate risks posed by foreign influence or control over these critical technologies.<h2>Key Components of the ICTS Regulations</h2>The rule applies broadly to ICTS transactions involving hardware, software, and services related to areas like data processing, communications, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The focus is on transactions where the ICTS is designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned, controlled, or directed by foreign adversaries.Some key countries covered include China, Russia, and any other nations the Commerce Secretary deems to pose long-term threats to U.S. security. The rule is not limited to just one country, but rather takes a comprehensive approach to safeguarding against malicious foreign interference in American technology systems.<h2>What changed in relation to previous interim rule ?</h2>One of the key changes is removal of unit/user threshold requirement.&nbsp;In the interim rule, the Department of Commerce had included requirements that certain types of ICTS transactions would only be considered in scope for review if they involved over 1 million users or units. Specifically, this threshold applied to:<ul><li>Internet-enabled sensors, webcams, or other end-point surveillance/monitoring devices</li><li>Routers, modems, or other home networking devices</li><li>Software designed primarily for connecting to and communicating via the internet</li></ul>The idea behind these thresholds was that transactions involving a large number of users or units would be more likely to pose a true national security risk, versus smaller-scale transactions. The Department seemingly wanted to focus its limited resources on reviewing the most potentially impactful ICTS deals.However, in the final rule, the Commerce Department has decided to remove these numerical thresholds entirely. There are a few key reasons why they made this change:Risk is not always correlated with transaction volume - The Department recognized that an ICTS transaction could still pose significant national security risks even if it involves a relatively small number of users or units. For example, if the technology is being used to collect sensitive personal data on high-profile government officials, the risk could be very high despite the low transaction volume. Thresholds could enable strategic circumvention - If businesses knew their transactions would only be reviewed if they exceeded 1 million users/units, some might intentionally structure deals to stay under that limit, even if the underlying technology still posed risks. Threshold limitations conflict with the rule's objectives - By excluding transactions below the numerical limits, the Department felt it would be failing to address the full scope of vulnerabilities in the ICTS supply chain, as envisioned in Executive Order 13873.So in the final rule, the Commerce Department has taken a more holistic approach. Rather than relying on arbitrary user/unit thresholds, they will focus their reviews on ICTS transactions most likely to pose undue or unacceptable risks, based on a range of factors beyond just the transaction volume.This change means the final rule has a broader, more comprehensive scope when it comes to the ICTS transactions that are eligible for review. The goal is to give the Department maximum flexibility to identify and address national security vulnerabilities, wherever they may exist in the technology supply chain. <img id="ch8qszz1pm4g5zd8g" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/184D9u8VPLtw1TiNGoYxKIeBKoWkEayQwD874KROmiAzCLsyNTPoyZGfp96a3Xeh.jpeg" alt="business technology" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/184D9u8VPLtw1TiNGoYxKIeBKoWkEayQwD874KROmiAzCLsyNTPoyZGfp96a3Xeh.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;">Businesses should consider conducting a thorough review of their supply chains and partnerships to identify any potential risks associated with foreign adversaries. This proactive approach will help ensure compliance while maintaining operational integrity.<h2>Important definitions and processes&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Covered Transactions - The final rule applies to a broad range of ICTS transactions, including those involving hardware, software, and services related to information/communications, data hosting and computing, connected applications, critical infrastructure, and critical/emerging technologies. However, transactions already reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) are generally excluded.Review Process - The Department can initiate reviews of ICTS transactions on its own or based on referrals from other agencies. It first assesses whether a transaction meets the criteria for a "covered ICTS transaction" and involves ICTS supplied by persons owned/controlled by foreign adversaries. If so, the Department evaluates whether the transaction poses an "undue" or "unacceptable" risk based on factors like the ICTS capabilities, the foreign nexus, the parties involved, and potential impacts on national security.Initial and Final Determinations - If the Department identifies undue or unacceptable risks, it will issue an initial determination proposing to prohibit the transaction or allow it with mitigation measures. Parties have 30-60 days to respond before the Department issues a final determination. Final determinations to prohibit a transaction will be published in the Federal Register, while notices of final determinations to allow transactions with mitigation may also be published.<figure id="figure-z53n0wl5lmm4g5zl90"><img id="z53n0wl5lmm4g5zl90" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/22FYpjM8ipvdhCWKMvJXMMoFSSxDVYE3dZ5oCzAPfQ0wdIznATjQHgvhHHdMYUEX.jpeg" alt="compliance" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/22FYpjM8ipvdhCWKMvJXMMoFSSxDVYE3dZ5oCzAPfQ0wdIznATjQHgvhHHdMYUEX.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Penalties</h2>The rule specifies a range of prohibited activities related to covered ICTS transactions. Violations can result in substantial civil penalties up to $250,000 per incident or criminal penalties up to $1 million and 20 years imprisonment. These penalties apply not just to direct participants, but also to those who aid, abet, or make false statements.More information here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-issues-final-rule-formalize-icts-program" data-mce-href="https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-issues-final-rule-formalize-icts-program">https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-issues-final-rule-formalize-icts-program</a>

Understanding the Department of Commerce's New ICTS Regulations

🌐 Major Development in Data Governance: Council Adopts the Data ActIn a landmark move, the European Union's Council has adopted the new Data Act, introducing a transformative framework for fair access to and use of data. This legislation is poised to significantly impact how data is managed, shared, and utilized, particularly in key industries.Highlights of the Data Act:<ol><li>Fair Access &amp; Usage: The Data Act ensures equitable data access, fostering transparency across the EU.</li><li>Data Sharing Mechanisms: It introduces mechanisms for data sharing, both in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) contexts.</li><li>Data Privacy Commitment: Aligns with existing data protection laws, reinforcing the protection of personal data.&nbsp;</li><li>Standards for Interoperability: Encourages the development of common standards for seamless data sharing.</li><li>Economic Growth &amp; Innovation: Aims to boost innovation and economic development within the digital sector.</li></ol>Industries Primarily Impacted:<ul><li>Automotive: The Act is expected to have a profound impact on data sharing related to connected vehicles and smart transportation systems.</li><li>Tech and Telecommunications: Companies in these sectors will likely see significant changes in how they handle data sharing and data-driven services.</li><li>Healthcare: Enhanced data access could revolutionize patient care and medical research.</li><li>Manufacturing: The Act could facilitate more efficient supply chain management and production processes through improved data access.</li></ul>Implementation &amp; Compliance:
Businesses and organizations across these sectors should prepare for the implementation of the Act, ensuring compliance and adapting their data strategies accordingly.The Data Act marks a critical step in the EU's commitment to a digital economy where data is a key driver of innovation and growth. It's crucial for professionals and companies in the impacted industries to stay informed and adapt to these new regulations.#DataAct #DigitalStrategy #DataGovernance #EU #DataProtection #Innovation #TechNews #Automotive #Healthcare #Manufacturing #Telecommunications

Data Act adopted by the Council  

For all of those looking for a full text of the AI Executive Order here is the <a data-mce-href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:5a5580ef-f88a-41aa-98f4-7c993b5819f7" href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:5a5580ef-f88a-41aa-98f4-7c993b5819f7" title="Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PDF</a> file with usefull table of contents prepared by our team.&nbsp;We are excited, and will provide a short summary of most important issues including "Syntehic Content"&nbsp; regulation by the end of the week.

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Copyright Isn't Dead—It Just Cost Anthropic $1.5 Billion

Guidance on Vehicle Data under EU Data Act

U.S. Department of Commerce Seeks Input on Securing the S...

Understanding the Department of Commerce's New ICTS Regul...

Data Act adopted by the Council

AI Executive Order full text (PDF)