Category: Policy

Assistive TechnologyPolicy

West Yorkshire Launches Digital Inclusion Program with Free Devices and Training

A new digital inclusion program in West Yorkshire will provide free laptops, internet access, and digital skills training to tackle unemployment. The initiative, funded by £250,000 from the Department of Work and Pensions, aims to address the 20% digital skills gap among working-age residents.

Digital Skills Gap Addressed Through New Initiative

West Yorkshire has launched a comprehensive digital inclusion program to tackle unemployment by providing free laptops, wi-fi access, and digital skills training, according to reports from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Sources indicate that approximately 20% of the working-age population in the region currently lack the necessary digital skills to secure employment.

by Michael Turner
Arts and EntertainmentPolicy

New York Enacts First Statewide Ban on Algorithmic Rent Pricing Tools

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation banning algorithmic rent-setting tools statewide. The law targets software companies like RealPage, whose pricing systems reportedly contributed to billions in excess tenant costs.

Landmark Legislation Addresses Algorithmic Pricing

New York has become the first state to prohibit landlords from using software algorithms for setting rental prices, according to reports from the governor’s office. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation Thursday, following similar municipal bans in several cities nationwide. The law specifically targets pricing systems that analysts suggest have distorted housing markets during an ongoing affordability crisis.

by Michael Turner
Assistive TechnologyPolicy

NSW Government Commits $3.2 Million Literary Fund to Counter AI Challenges and Support Writers

The New South Wales government has announced a $3.2 million investment in the state’s first comprehensive writing and literature strategy. The initiative responds to urgent pressures including artificial intelligence impacts on publishing and declining author incomes, with multiple programs targeting diverse literary communities across the state.

New Literary Strategy Addresses Sector Challenges

The New South Wales government has launched its first-ever writing and literature strategy with a $3.2 million commitment to support the sector amid growing challenges from artificial intelligence and digital media transformation, according to official announcements. The Stories Matter initiative comes as reports indicate the literary sector contributes $1.3 billion annually to the state economy and supports approximately 22,000 jobs, yet writers earn an average of just $18,200 from their creative work.

by Jessica Moore P.E.