FedScoop
Two U.S. Senators introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative, which expired in 2023. The bipartisan bill would extend coordinated federal quantum research and development for five years, authorizing funding for federal science and technology agencies. The proposal emphasizes workforce development, international collaboration with allies, and U.S. competitiveness, particularly against China. It also mandates new research metrics, prize challenges, and the creation of up to three quantum centers managed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
From "Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Gets Reboot in Senate"
FedScoop (01/08/26) Madison Alder
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NPR
After a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, AI-generated images circulated online claiming to “unmask” the masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent involved. The chatbot-created images circulated along with a false name—Steve Grove—leading to the harassment of two unrelated individuals bearing that name, one the CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune. The paper said it was monitoring what it believed to be a "coordinated online disinformation campaign."
From "AI Images, Online Rumors Spread Confusion About Minnesota Shooting"
NPR (01/08/26) Geoff Brumfiel
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BleepingComputer
The U.K. has unveiled a £210-million (U.S.$283-million) cybersecurity plan to strengthen defenses across government departments and the public sector. The Government Cyber Action Plan creates a dedicated Government Cyber Unit to coordinate risk management and incident response to better protect digital public services. The new plan includes minimum security standards, improved visibility into cyber risks, and stronger incident response requirements. A Software Security Ambassador Scheme also will be launched under the plan to promote best practices.
From "U.K. Plans to Strengthen Public Sector Cyber Defenses"
BleepingComputer (01/07/26) Sergiu Gatlan
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The Wall Street Journal
Walmart plans to roll out delivery drone service to 150 additional U.S. stores over the next year in partnership with Alphabet’s Wing, with a goal of more than 270 locations by the end of 2027. Walmart began offering drone delivery in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2022, and has since expanded to Atlanta, northwest Arkansas, and Charlotte, NC. Further rollouts of drone delivery has been limited by regulatory obstacles, community concerns, and weather-related risks.
From "Walmart Expands Drone Delivery to Hundreds More Stores"
The Wall Street Journal (01/11/26) Liz Young
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China Daily
The Cyberspace Administration of China has released draft rules to strengthen personal data protection in Internet applications. The proposals would limit data collection and use to what is strictly necessary for providing services; require clear disclosure and explicit user consent upon first launch; restrict access to address books, call logs, and messages; and mandate separate consent before sharing personal information with third parties.
From "China to Beef Up Personal Online Data Protection"
China Daily (01/10/26)
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Associated Press
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's chatbot is gaining traction in developing countries, helping expand access to generative AI, according to a Microsoft report. Global AI adoption reached 16.3% by late last year, but usage is growing faster in developed economies. DeepSeek’s free, open-source models have lowered barriers in price-sensitive and restricted markets, boosting adoption across parts of Asia and Africa. “Open-source AI can function as a geopolitical instrument, extending Chinese influence in areas where Western platforms cannot easily operate,” the report said.
From "DeepSeek’s AI Gains Traction in Developing Nations"
Associated Press (01/08/26) Chan Ho-Him; Matt O'Brien
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