Tech Policy Storylines to Watch in 2022

Alex Thomas
Alex Thomas is a DC-based writer whose work has appeared in Playboy, Air Mail, and The New Republic.
Tech Policy Storylines to Watch in 2022

The Democrats’ trifecta victory in 2020 marked a significant change in the way Washington views tech policy. The Biden administration has signaled consistently that they’re looking to get more involved in tech policy than their predecessors, whether through regulations or reworking previous legislation. The administration is populated with officials who are knowledgeable and opinionated on issues like consumer privacy, cryptocurrency and antitrust and as the Democrats fight to enact their policies, we are likely to see at least some major changes in 2022 — here’s what to watch for.


Section 230

Everybody in Washington agrees that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act is a problem. Enacted in 1996, the policy protects internet platforms from liability for third parties content. Section 230 was a hot button during the 2016 and 2020 elections, when misinformation ran rampant on social media. Republicans believe Section 230 gives tech companies cover to censor their content on social media; Democrats say the law gives tech companies too much immunity for content posted on their platforms. Donald Trump has been a vocal opponent of the law, framing it as a general boogeyman. Given that he still carries the banner of the GOP, Republican lawmakers hoping to get his support are likely to attack the policy. As a candidate for the presidency, Biden said he would revoke Section 230, but his Justice Department is now defending the constitutionality of the statute in Trump’s lawsuit against Meta.

Facebook’s Overseas Acquisition of Giphy

Meta faces a difficult battle overseas (and one that may set a tone in the States) after the UK’s antitrust regulatory agency blocked their $315 million acquisition of Giphy. It was a major step in the ongoing tech antitrust battle; Facebook will begin 2022 by challenging the ruling. But with the agency making such a substantial move, it’s unlikely they’ll back down. Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan, a known antitrust advocate, is sure to be watching how Facebook and the Europeans battle it out.

DMCA Section 1201

Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act has become a hot issue in tech policy over the past few years as iPhones became the standard communication and Apple’s lawyers have proven themselves tenacious on copyright issues. Section 1201 deals with right-to-repair issues—that is, the right of consumers to fix their own hardware or to take it to third-party repair shops. The Biden administration has come out on the side of the right-to-repair movement and in a 2021 executive order, he encouraged the FTC “to issue rules against anticompetitive restrictions on using independent repair shops or doing DIY repairs of your own devices and equipment.” Section 1201 is updated every three years, and new exemptions to the law were issued in 2021, meaning they are likely to be tested in court in 2022.

ISPs and Title II

When Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai repealed the Open Internet Order in 2017, it meant removing Internet Service Providers from their classification under Title II of the Internet Communications Act. Pai’s move took away the regulatory powers the FCC previously had over ISPs, meaning that the job of overseeing regulation has fallen to the FTC, which is a law enforcement agency rather than a regulatory one. But the Biden Administration has been critical of how ISPs have operated and monetized the data they get from consumers and Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has previously supported reclassifying ISPs under Title II. In an October report, the FTC blasted ISPs, saying they collect troves of data, surveil users and “place consumers into sensitive categories such as by race and sexual orientation; and share real-time location data with third-parties.” Restoring the FCC’s regulatory powers over ISPs is a top priority for a number of Democrats, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and we can look for that conversation to continue in 2022, especially with FTC Chairwoman Lina Kahn remaining vocal on the issue.

A New Look at the Office of Technology Assessment?

Washington is slowly beginning to talk about restoring the Office of Technology Assessment, the nonpartisan congressional agency that for two decades informed members of Congress on tech and science issues (until then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich abolished the OTA in 1995). The Brookings Institution, an influential and left-leaning D.C. think tank has come out in favor of restoring the Office of Technology Assessment. This is likely to be a Democratic priority, a The duties of the OTA have been taken up by the Government Accountability Office, but critics say the GOA is woefully equipped to examine critical issues like AI ethics.

SEC & Crypto

Cryptocurrency has boomed in an unregulated market over the past decade but that era may soon be coming to an end. SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has been vocal about his desire to have crypto regulated at the SEC, though Republicans have pushed back upon those ideas. When Biden signed the infrastructure bill into law, it included a provision that would tax cryptocurrencies, but that language was broad and upset many in the crypto space. The SEC hasn’t put a timeline on when they might try to strap regulations on cryptocurrencies, but in December the agency charged Ripple Labs with selling $1.3 billion in unregistered securities. The procession of that case in 2022 will tell us a lot about the SEC’s power in the industry. The appetite for crypto regulation stretches across the Biden Administration — in November, the Treasury Department published a report on stablecoins which quoted Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as saying “the absence of appropriate oversight presents risks to users and the broader system.”

California Privacy Law

The California Consumer Privacy Act is viewed as one of the most important pieces of tech-related legislation in the United States. In 2020, the ballot proposition created the California Privacy Protection Agency, which will not begin enforcement activities until 2023. The agency is headed by Ashkan Soltani, who has a long pedigree and has worked on federal investigations into multiple big tech companies. His agency will enforce the California Consumer Privacy Act, which gives users more control over their data — consumers will be able to know who is collecting their data and how it is being shared. The Act also limits the usage of sensitive personal information like race and sexual orientation. The CCPA is aimed at large industries — those with a gross annual revenue of over $25 million and sell consumers’ information. In 2022, the bill may be amended again. But more interesting is how other states aim to copy California’s law which might hint at some federal statutes in the distant future. And some states, like Nevada, have brought on similar legislation. Look for more of those bills to pop up in statehouses next year.

OpenAI's $6.6B Power Play: The Future of AI Just Got a Massive Boost 💰🚀
Image Source: Open AI - Sam Altman

🔦 Spotlight

OpenAI is making some exciting moves! The company just completed a massive $6.6 billion funding round, pushing its valuation to an impressive $157 billion. Thrive Capital led the charge, with big names like Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund also joining in. This investment will allow OpenAI to further scale its operations and advance AI technologies like GPT-4 across various sectors such as healthcare, entertainment, and business.

But that’s not the only exciting news. OpenAI has also secured an additional$1 billion credit facility, giving the company even more financial flexibility to execute its ambitious growth plans. This safety net ensures that OpenAI has the resources to scale safely and effectively while continuing to lead the AI space.

AI is becoming integral to industries worldwide, and OpenAI’s products—like ChatGPT—are seeing rapid adoption. From education to enterprise solutions, the company is driving significant advancements in how AI is integrated into everyday life.

Following Microsoft’s $10 billion investment earlier this year, this latest round underscores the market’s confidence in OpenAI’s potential. With its strong focus on responsible AI deployment and ethical scaling, the company is set to shape the future of AI in a way that benefits a broad range of industries and addresses global challenges.

As AI evolves, OpenAI remains dedicated to pushing boundaries while ensuring that its innovations prioritize safety, scalability, and social impact. Keep an eye on this space—big things are on the horizon!


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Impulse Space, a Redondo Beach-based company specializing in in-space transportation services, raised $150M in Series B funding led by Founders Fund, bringing its total funding to $225M, to expand its team and advance production of its Helios and Mira vehicles. - learn more
  • Nusano has secured over $115M in Series C financing, led by The Wasatch Group, to accelerate the commercialization of its radioisotope production technology, aimed at improving cancer treatment and medical diagnostics. - learn more
  • Future Trash, a multidisciplinary creative studio, has raised a $5M Seed funding round from TIRTA and General Catalyst to develop original intellectual property (IP) within Fortnite, focusing on building unique in-game content and experiences. - learn more
  • XType, the leading software company for multi-instance management on the ServiceNow platform, has raised a $21M Series A funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners to accelerate innovation and expand its platform capabilities on the ServiceNow platform. - learn more
  • 3Laws Robotics, a robotics company focused on building AI-powered platforms to enhance the safety, security, and operational efficiency of robotic systems, has raised a $4.1M Seed funding round led by TenOneTen Ventures. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Watertower Ventures participated in the $8M Series A funding round for DocJuris, a leader in AI-based contract review and negotiation software that automates key tasks to streamline the contract process for enterprise teams and general counsels. - learn more
  • Progression Fund participated in a $3.7M Seed funding round for Permanent, a company focused on advancing sustainable agriculture by developing solutions that improve soil health and productivity. - learn more


LA Exits

  • Loom, an educational community platform that empowers women by providing comprehensive resources on reproductive health, sexual wellness, and parenting education, has been acquired by women's health brand Perelel, marking a significant expansion in the women's health and wellness sector. - learn more

Download the dot.LA App

⚠️📲🌩️ Your Digital Lifeline: Top Tech Apps for Natural Disasters

Living in LA means being ready for anything—quakes, wildfires, crazy weather, you name it. Luckily, there’s a suite of tech apps designed to keep you informed, connected, and safe when disaster strikes. From real-time alerts to staying in touch with loved ones, these apps have you covered. Here’s the ultimate list to help you handle whatever chaos comes your way in LA County.

Get Real-Time Alerts

Image Source: MyRadar

FEMA App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, along with shelter and disaster recovery info.
  • Key features: Weather alerts, shelter locator, and preparedness resources.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
MyRadar Weather Radar
  • What it does: Offers real-time, animated radar for tracking severe weather and storms.
  • Key features: Live radar, storm tracking, and severe weather alerts.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Clime: NOAA Weather Radar
  • What it does: Delivers real-time radar and weather updates, with wildfire and flood tracking.
  • Key features: Customizable weather alerts, disaster tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
American Red Cross Emergency App
  • What it does: Provides real-time alerts for over 35 types of emergencies, plus disaster preparedness tips.
  • Key features: Alerts, safety check-ins, and emergency tips.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
My Earthquake Alerts & Feed
  • What it does: Sends real-time earthquake alerts, with maps and detailed data.
  • Key features: Earthquake alerts, customizable notifications, detailed maps.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Citizen
  • What it does: Delivers real-time alerts for emergencies, including natural disasters and crime near your location.
  • Key features: Safety alerts, live incident reports, and community updates.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Image Source: Life360

While social media apps like Facebook and X provide real-time updates, additional tools can help with communication and location sharing, ensuring you stay connected and safe.

Nextdoor
  • What it does: Connects neighbors with real-time local updates on emergencies and community events.
  • Key features: Neighborhood alerts, local info, resource sharing.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
WhatsApp
  • What it does: Enables secure messaging, location sharing, and video/voice calls with family and friends.
  • Key features: End-to-end encryption, location sharing, voice/video calls.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Zello Walkie Talkie
  • What it does: Turns your phone into a push-to-talk walkie-talkie for communication in low-signal areas.
  • Key features: Push-to-talk, works over Wi-Fi/data, group communication.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Glympse – Share Your Location
  • What it does: Lets users share real-time locations with family and friends without needing an account.
  • Key features: Location sharing, ETA updates, private tracking.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
Life360
  • What it does: Tracks real-time location of family members and provides emergency SOS alerts.
  • Key features: Family location tracking, emergency alerts, crash detection.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Stay Mobile

Image Source: PlugShare

For navigating road closures and traffic during disasters, Google Maps and Waze are essential tools that offer real-time updates and alternate routes. Along with these go-to options, there are additional apps that can help you stay mobile when it matters most.

GasBuddy
  • What it does: Locates nearby gas stations and provides real-time updates on fuel availability and prices.
  • Key features: Gas station locator, fuel prices, availability checks.
  • Available on:iOS | Android
PlugShare
  • What it does: Provides a comprehensive map of public EV charging stations worldwide. It offers real-time availability, pricing, user reviews, and photos of charging stations, helping you find the best nearby options.
  • Key features: Real-time station availability, detailed station info, user reviews, and trip planning.
  • Available on:iOS | Android

Traditional Preparedness Tips

In addition to these tech apps, it’s crucial to prepare for natural disasters with traditional methods:

  • Build a disaster kit: Gather essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
  • Develop an evacuation plan: Determine where you will go and how you will get there in case of an emergency.
  • Keep emergency contacts handy: Make a list of important phone numbers.

Maximize Battery Life and Data During Emergencies

During disasters, power outages and increased network traffic can affect your device's battery life and data usage. Consider the following:

  • Keep your devices charged: Use portable or solar-powered chargers to extend battery life.
  • Conserve data: Use Wi-Fi hotspots when available to avoid excessive data charges.

These apps are your go-to tools for staying informed, connected, and ready for anything in Los Angeles County. Whether you need real-time alerts, navigation assistance, or ways to keep in touch with loved ones, having these apps on hand can make all the difference when it matters most.

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Luxurious Second Home Ownership without the Headache: How Pacaso is Changing the Landscape of Real Estate

🔦 Spotlight

Pacaso addresses the pain points of second home ownership, offering a luxurious, flexible, and financially sound alternative to traditional second homes and ultra-luxury hotels. Co-founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Austin Allison and former Zillow executive and prominent LA tech figure Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso, an unicorn startup, has redefined vacation home ownership with its unique co-ownership model. Rascoff's contributions to the LA tech scene extend beyond real estate; he also founded 75 & Sunny, an LA-based startup studio and venture fund, and co-founded dot.LA, an LA tech news and events company.

LA residents adore Pacaso for its lush vacation destinations that also make for smart investments. Pacaso offers everything from serene weekend getaways in Aspen to sophisticated escapes in Paris. Each residence, valued between $200k to over $2M for 1/8th, boasts meticulous design, high-end furnishings, and premium amenities. Unlike traditional second home ownership, which involves high costs, maintenance, and underutilization, or ultra-luxury hotels, which lack the personal touch and investment potential, Pacaso's co-ownership model offers a superior solution. Co-owners enjoy the benefits of a high-end vacation home without the full financial burden and hassle of sole ownership, making it a smarter and more flexible choice for discerning buyers.


Image Source: Pacaso

Cabo, Mexico

$822,000 (1/8th ownership)

5 bds. l 5 ba. l 4,969 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Paris, France

$600,000 (1/8th ownership)

2 bds. l 2.5 ba. l 1,410 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Malibu, California

$750,000 (1/8th ownership)

3 bds. l 3 ba. l 1,880 sq ft

View Here


Image Source: Pacaso

Park City, Utah

$755,000 (1/8th ownership)

4 bds. l 4.5 ba. l 2,584 sq ft

View Here

Head to Pacaso to learn more about its innovative co-ownership model that addresses the common challenges of second home ownership!


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Oak Essentials, the natural skincare brand founded by Jenni Kayne, has raised an undisclosed amount in Series A Funding from Silas Capital and Unilever Ventures. This investment will drive the brand’s expansion, focusing on product development, boosting marketing efforts, and expanding distribution channels. - learn more
  • Playhouse MD, an upcoming children’s healthcare platform that incorporates play to enhance health outcomes, has raised $4M in funding, according to a recent SEC filing. - learn more
  • FluidLogic, a high-performance hydration system provider, raised $15M in a Series A Extension led by Solyco Capital to support product development and innovation for adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories, with consumer products launching in early 2025. - learn more
  • Reflect Orbital, which uses in-space reflectors to direct sunlight to solar farms and large-scale lighting applications after sunset, has raised $6.5M in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital. The funding will help the company develop production vehicles and expand its team as it builds space-based energy infrastructure. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Smash Capital led a €20M Series B round into Vilnius-based Ovoko, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used car parts across Europe, marking Smash Capital's first investment in Lithuania. The funds will support Ovoko's product development, market expansion, and team growth as it aims to dominate the European market for second-hand automotive components. - learn more
  • M13 led a $9M Series A Funding Round for Zenlytic, the world’s first self-serve business intelligence platform. - learn more



LA Exits

  • Continuum Global Solutions’ healthcare vertical has been acquired by Everise, a customer service management company, enhancing Everise’s capabilities in pharmacy benefit management and expanding its growth prospects in the healthcare sector. - learn more
  • Radical Semiconductor, a company specializing in processing-in-memory technology, has been acquired by BTQ Technologies, a leader in post-quantum cryptography. This acquisition strengthens BTQ’s ability to secure data in the post-quantum era by integrating Radical Semiconductor's advanced technology portfolio. - learn more

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