NIST's new AI Technology Evaluation program gives developers a more objective way to test AI models. By using blind datasets in a sequestered testbed, AITE helps prevent benchmark contamination and makes it easier to compare models. ITIF's Michelle Lopes Maldonado explains👇

AR/VR technologies are creating new ways to access information, collaborate, and engage with the world. What policies will help maximize these benefits? Join us Sept. 24 for the 6th Annual AR/VR Policy Conference. Register for free⤵️ vist.ly/5de2w

Congress has debated a federal data privacy law for years while states created a patchwork of their own. In her latest, Ash Johnson compares the ADPPA, APRA, & the SECURE Data Act—& explains why the latest proposal provides the strongest foundation👇 vist.ly/5czua

Congress has debated a federal data privacy law for years, while more than 20 states have enacted their own. The result is a fragmented system that creates inconsistent protections for consumers & unnecessary complexity for businesses. ITIF's Ash Johnson explains👇 vist.ly/5csjt

USMCA’s digital trade rules are outdated. Since the agreement is already under review, Rodrigo Balbontin says the US should push to modernize rules for AI, ban discriminatory digital taxes, close data-localization loopholes, and strengthen economic security. vist.ly/5cmpn

USMCA Set the World's Digital Trade Standards Six Years Ago. Now It Can Raise Them

The USMCA’s digital trade rules set the global standard. Now, policymakers should modernize them for the age of AI, close loopholes that enable data localization and discriminatory taxes, and build a more secure, competitive North American digital economy.

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The United States has repeatedly pressed Brussels to end the DMA’s discriminatory treatment of American companies, but EU policymakers have refused to change course. A Section 301 investigation may be what finally moves the needle. vist.ly/5ceim

Trump Admin Is Right to Use Section 301 to Counter the EU’s Discriminatory Tech Rules, Says ITIF

Following the Trump Administration’s announced plans to use the Section 301 investigation to retaliate against the EU's discriminatory digital practices, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, released the following statement from Rodrigo Balbontin, associate director of trade, IP, and digital technology governance.

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China is building dominance across the entire biopharma chain, from key ingredients and clinical trials to innovative drugs and basic science. Its industry value added surged from $15 billion in 2002 to $190 billion in 2024. The United States must act before it loses another strategic industry.

"The FDA should not, under any circumstances, allow compounding pharmacies to produce and sell unapproved and untested drugs to the American public." vist.ly/5c85b

The FDA Should Not Allow Untested Peptides to Be Added Into Patients’ Medications

The FDA is considering allowing seven unapproved peptides—largely sourced through a Chinese gray market—to be used by U.S. compounding pharmacies, despite its own scientists warning against it. Approving them would legitimize unvetted foreign suppliers and undermine evidence-based drug regulation.

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France has voted to ban social media for children under 15. But sweeping age bans risk creating new privacy risks for users of all ages while failing to address the underlying challenges children face online. Read our full statement from Ash Johnson: vist.ly/5c5ks

America’s launch capacity is not keeping pace with demand. Aging, underfunded spaceports could become the constraint on U.S. space leadership. Congress should fund modernization, recover fair costs from commercial users, and streamline permitting. vist.ly/5bbye

US Spaceports Need More Funding to Prevent a Launch Bottleneck

The United States is the global power in space, but insufficient spaceport infrastructure threatens the growth of the American space industry. Congress, NASA, and Space Force must address the problem before it undermines U.S. leadership.

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“We’ve reached an existential moment,” said Stephen Ezell. As with semiconductors, China’s rise may force Congress to act. “A CHIPS Act–style response may be the only thing that saves Detroit.” vist.ly/5bbvx

The American E.V. Has Been Crushed. Will It Take the U.S. Auto Industry With It?

The largest U.S. automakers have backed away from electric vehicles, even as global sales are booming. The decision may make them obsolete.

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New York has become the first state to impose a moratorium on new AI data centers. But freezing investment isn't the answer to environmental & infrastructure concerns. Policymakers should set clear rules for responsible development—not delay it. Read our statement⤵️ vist.ly/5baqj

Humanoid robots could reshape manufacturing, logistics, and defense—but the U.S. is falling behind. Chinese firms captured nearly 90% of global sales in 2025. Washington needs a national robotics strategy to help US firms scale before the gap widens. vist.ly/5b8dx

The U.S. Humanoid Robot Industry Is Falling Behind

The United States risks falling further behind China in humanoid robotics unless policymakers adopt a national strategy to strengthen domestic production, accelerate adoption, and scale the industry.

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Last week, ITIF President Daniel Castro spoke at an international symposium hosted by the University of International Relations in Beijing, where he discussed the evolving role of frontier AI firms in international security.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is backing a minimum age restriction for social media access. But protecting children online shouldn't come at the expense of their access to information, expression, & digital participation. 🔗Read our statement: vist.ly/5b65q

The UK is pushing a proposal to require nudity-scanning software on children's devices. Protecting children online is the right goal. The challenge is doing so without sacrificing anonymity or secure communications.👇 vist.ly/5amwy

New in this week's @ITIFdc Update: 💦 Robin Gaster on data centers & water 💡 Joseph V. Coniglio on #AI & copyright 🔄️ Rodrigo Balbontin on #USMCA renewal 📅 Events: social media bans; speech regs; more Read & subscribe: vist.ly/5a95d

💦 Data Centers' Water Problem (Is Soluble)

🤝 USMCA renewal; EU merger guidelines; 🗓️ EVENTS: Social media bans; Online speech regs; USMCA renewal; US auto strategy; AICOA

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Not all trade barriers look like tariffs. Policy Analyst Tanya Nagrath explains how "non-tariff attacks"—from digital taxes to localization mandates—can disproportionately target U.S. tech companies and undermine American innovation and competitiveness.👇

New evidence challenges the claim that AI is destroying jobs. A new study finds firms that adopt AI most intensively increase total employment by 10.2%—including a 12% increase in entry-level hiring. Policymakers should accelerate AI adoption, not slow it.👇 vist.ly/59mpz

Foreign governments are increasingly pressuring U.S. platforms to censor lawful speech. Wyoming's new GRANITE Act offers a novel response—but meaningful protection will require Congress to act. ITIF's Tanya Nagrath explains in her latest commentary: vist.ly/59kwn

The House has passed the bipartisan KIDS Act package, sending a broad set of online child safety bills to the Senate. What happens next? 🤔 ITIF's Alex Ambrose explains what's in the package, why KOSA's duty of care remains a key sticking point, & what to watch next.

The House just passed the KIDS Act. While the bill preserves many of KOSA's strongest child safety reforms, it also includes provisions that reduce privacy, limit useful online services, and won't meaningfully improve child safety. Read our full statement from Alex Ambrose: vist.ly/59ht5

This week's ITIF Update: 📉 @TrelysaLong and @MeghanOstertag on semiconductor tariff consequences 🔬 @StephenEzell, @MeghanOstertag and Sandra Barbosu on Chinese biopharma 📆 Upcoming events: National data privacy; Social media bans Read & subscribe now: vist.ly/59gya

📉 Semiconductor Tariff Consequences

🔬Chinese biopharma; Unconstitutional age-gating; 🗓️ EVENTS: National data privacy; Social media bans; Online speech regs; USMCA renewal

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The GUARD Act takes the wrong approach to protecting children from AI companions. Rather than imposing broad age-verification requirements that raise free speech and privacy concerns, Congress should focus on transparency and stronger parental controls 👇 vist.ly/59gec

📅 TOMORROW, June 30 @ 12 PM ET: Federal privacy legislation could reshape how data is governed across the U.S. Join ITIF for a webinar examining the tradeoffs, debates, & legislative outlook. Register here: vist.ly/59g54

Congress can strengthen state and local cybersecurity with one bill by funding MS-ISAC through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. ITIF's David Kertai explains in his latest👇 vist.ly/598v7

This week's ITIF Update: 🔬 @RobertDAtkinson on STEM research policy 🏭 @TrelysaLong on the U.S. manufacturing birthrate 🛜 @EllisSherer on carrier of last resort requirements 📆 Upcoming events: Canadian cybersecurity; National data privacy Read & subscribe now: vist.ly/58n6p

🔬 Transforming U.S. STEM Research Policy

🏭 U.S. Manufacturing birthrate; California broadband; 🗓️ EVENTS: Canadian cybersecurity; National data privacy; Social media bans

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📅 NEXT TUESDAY, June 30 @ 12 PM ET: Can Congress finally pass a federal privacy law? 🤔 Join ITIF’s webinar featuring experts from Reason Foundation, ACT | The App Association, & Third Way, moderated by ITIF’s Ash Johnson. Register ⤵️ vist.ly/58mdu

AI is not a tool of communist oppression, as @VP Vance said recently. Nor is it a tool of capitalist oppression. AI has no political philosophy. It is a technology, and as @danielcastro.bsky.social explains, the real question is who will lead in it.

🚨 Mark your calendars! The 6th Annual AR/VR Policy Conference returns to Washington, DC, this Sept. 24. Join policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to explore the future of immersive technology. Register for free ⤵️ vist.ly/584rw