Neural Radiation Field Method Constructs 3D Pedestrian Datasets

The European Patent Office published patent application EP2023093186A1 on April 15, 2026, filed by Zhejiang Lab, covering a neural radiation field-based method and apparatus for constructing pedestrian re-identification three-dimensional datasets. The application relates to computer vision techniques under IPC classifications G06N 3/04 and G06N 3/08. Designated states cover all major European Patent Convention member states including DE, FR, GB, IT, NL, ES, and 26 others.

Microsoft Masked Autoencoder Patent for Image Inpainting

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4526798A1 filed by Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, titled 'Training Masked Autoencoders for Image Inpainting,' with inventors including Chen Dongdong, Bao Jianmin, Zhang Ting, Yuan Lu, Chen Dong, Wen Fang, and Dong Xiaoyi. The patent application, covering AI-based image inpainting techniques under IPC classifications G06N and G06T, was published on April 15, 2026 and designates 38 European member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Google EP Patent, Memory-Augmented Self-Attention Neural Networks, Apr 15

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4396729A1 titled 'USING MEMORY TO AUGMENT SELF-ATTENTION IN NEURAL NETWORKS' on April 15, 2026. Google LLC is listed as the applicant with Christian Szegedy, DeLesley Hutchins, Markus Rabe, and Yuhuai Wu as inventors. The patent covers memory-augmented neural network architectures classified under IPC G06N (computer models based on biological or biological-inspired methods).

Google LLC European Patent - Distributed Computing Pipeline, EP4293570A2

The European Patent Office published European Patent Application EP4293570A2 for Google LLC, titled 'Distributed Computing Pipeline Processing', granted on April 15, 2026. The patent covers IPC classifications G06F 9/48, G06F 9/50, G06N 3/02, G06N 3/006, G06N 3/045, and G06N 3/08, spanning distributed computing resource management, neural networks, and machine learning pipeline architectures. Designated states include all EU member states plus other European Economic Area countries.

Microsoft Pose Prediction Patent, Articulated Objects, Published Apr 15 2026

The EPO published patent application EP4487193A1 for Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC covering pose prediction systems for articulated objects using machine learning. The invention involves classifying input data using neural networks to predict object configurations. The patent application names four inventors: Ali Akbarian, Mohammad Sadegh, Pashmina Jonathan Cameron, Andrew William Fitzgibbon, and Thomas Joseph Cashman.

FDA Seeks Comments on 18 New Tobacco HPHC Additions

The FDA is adding 18 new constituents to the established list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in tobacco products and tobacco smoke, as required by section 904(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Tobacco product manufacturers—including those producing cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery systems—must submit electronic or written comments by May 26, 2026. The expanded list will require affected manufacturers to track and report these additional constituents by brand and quantity.

Lei Yin Study: Children with Amalgam Show Elevated Mercury

FDA has posted a study by Lei Yin to its public docket on Regulations.gov, docket FDA-2026-P-4271-0036. The study examines mercury levels in children with dental amalgam restorations. The document was published as a final notice on January 8, 2026. The full study content is restricted due to copyright.

Mercury Study in Pediatric Patients, Dental Amalgam Exposure

FDA filed a study submission to regulations.gov (FDA-2026-P-4271-0040) concerning mercury exposure from dental amalgam in pediatric patients. The document was posted to regulations.gov and contains a PDF download link, but the actual study content is not visible in the source text. This appears to be a pre-submission study or report filed under FDA's regulatory submissions system.

Scottish Dental Guidance Restricts Amalgam Use in Patients

A regulatory filing has been made to the FDA on regulations.gov under docket FDA-2026-P-4271-0091, referencing Scottish guidance that restricts the use of dental amalgam in patients. The document filing date and specific regulatory outcome are not visible in the restricted content. This submission may be relevant to ongoing US regulatory considerations regarding mercury-containing dental filling materials.

Citizens for Dental Choice Citizen Petition to FDA CDRH

Consumers for Dental Choice and co-petitioners have filed a citizen petition with FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), requesting the agency to take regulatory action related to dental devices or products. The petition docket (FDA-2026-P-4271-0001) is currently open for public comment on Regulations.gov. CDRH is listed as the authoring office. Stakeholders in the dental device and consumer dental product sectors should review the petition to understand the specific relief sought and prepare any relevant comments before the comment period closes.

Caldwell KL Total Blood Mercury Concentrations US Population 1999-2006

Caldwell KL filed a submission with FDA containing total blood mercury concentration data for the US population covering the period 1999-2006. The document is accessible via download from Regulations.gov under docket FDA-2026-P-4271. The submission appears to present population-level biomonitoring data relevant to mercury exposure assessment.

EC SCENIHR Final Opinion on Dental Amalgam Safety

The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has issued a Final Opinion on the safety of dental amalgam in medical and dental practice. The opinion was submitted to the FDA docket as document FDA-2026-P-4271-0019 on Regulations.gov. The full text of the opinion is restricted due to copyright. Healthcare providers and dental professionals should monitor the FDA docket for updates or access the opinion through the European Commission.

Bank Control Notice: Gregory L. Massey 2026 Irrevocable Trust Acquires Spend Life Wisely Company

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has published a notice under the Change in Bank Control Act seeking public comment on an application by The Gregory L. Massey 2026 Irrevocable Trust and Gregory L. Massey as trustee to become a member of the Massey Family Group and acquire voting shares of Spend Life Wisely Company, Inc., which would indirectly acquire voting shares of First United Bank and Trust Company in Durant, Oklahoma. Comments must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City or the Board of Governors offices in Washington, DC by May 8, 2026.

FCC Proposes Rule Requiring Onshoring of Customer Service Operations

The FCC has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in CG Docket No. 26-52 and related dockets seeking comment on rules to encourage the onshoring of foreign call center operations. The proposal covers telecommunications service providers, CMRS, interconnected VoIP services, cable television, and DBS services, as well as their affiliates and internet access service providers. The FCC also seeks comment on extending protections to non-call communications including emails, texts, and online chats, and on financial deterrents such as bond requirements for unlawful foreign-originated calls. Comments are due May 26, 2026, with reply comments due June 22, 2026.

Guam Bottomfish Annual Catch Limit Proposed Increase to 34,500 lb

NMFS proposes to increase the annual catch limit (ACL) for Guam Mariana bottomfish management unit species from 31,000 lb to 34,500 lb, representing an 11 percent increase, based on an updated 2024 stock assessment showing the stock is rebuilding but not yet fully rebuilt. The proposed rule would replace the in-season accountability measure with a post-season overage adjustment and remove the higher performance standard that closes the fishery for any ACL exceedance, with NMFS and the Council recommending the changes based on improved stock productivity projections supporting a 2031 rebuild target.

EU Regulation Banning Amalgam for Certain Patient Groups

FDA published a notice on Regulations.gov (docket FDA-2026-P-4271) regarding an EU regulation that bans dental amalgam for certain patient groups. The EU measure restricts amalgam use for children under 15, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This notice informs U.S. stakeholders of the EU regulatory development affecting dental materials. The document provides a PDF download link to the EU regulation text.

HB26-1283 Protections Regarding Seizures of Identification Documents

Colorado bill HB26-1283 would prohibit employers and their agents from demanding, confiscating, retaining, or requiring surrender of an employee's government-issued identification card. Violations constitute criminal possession of an identification document, classified as a class 2 misdemeanor, while bias-motivated violations targeting individuals based on protected characteristics constitute a class 1 misdemeanor with enhanced penalties. The bill passed House third reading on April 22, 2026, by a vote of 41-23-1. Colorado employers should review existing HR policies and practices regarding employee identification document handling to assess potential compliance needs if this legislation advances.

HB26-1236 Arbitration Reform Restricts Fees Class Waivers

Colorado HB26-1236 proposes comprehensive arbitration reform that would prohibit class action waivers in employer-employee and merchant-consumer contracts except as preempted by federal law. The bill would cap arbitration fees at the cost of filing in state or federal court, ban arbitrators with discriminatory practices, require compliance with award records within 30 days, and repeal the prohibition on exemplary damages in arbitration proceedings. If enacted, employers and merchants using standard arbitration agreements would need to revise their contract templates and fee provisions to comply.

SB26-147 Allows Advocacy Day Lobbying, Requires Registration

Colorado SB26-147 creates an advocacy day framework allowing individuals to lobby on behalf of registered persons without professional lobbyist registration. The bill introduces a nonprofit advocate category requiring disclosure compliance, mandates judicial branch appointment of a legislative liaison, and requires all legislative/governor's liaisons to file monthly disclosure statements with the Secretary of State indicating bill numbers and positions, with 72-hour updates upon position changes. The bill passed Third Reading on April 22, 2026 on a 30-4 vote with 1 other.

Supporting Law Enforcement

House Resolution HR26-1006 was introduced in the Colorado General Assembly on April 13, 2026, by Representatives Dan Woog and Chad Clifford. The resolution concerns support for law enforcement officers in the state. The House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs voted 11-0 to refer the resolution unamended to the House Committee of the Whole on April 20, 2026. A House floor vote is scheduled for April 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the House Chamber.

Colorado SB26-117 Reinstates Cash-Only Lottery Sales

Colorado SB26-117 proposes reinstating cash-only lottery sales by reversing a Colorado Lottery Commission rule that had allowed credit and noncash purchases. The bill would prohibit the sale of lottery tickets or instant scratch game tickets on credit or noncash basis, permitting only cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards. It also adds a new prohibition on online lottery ticket sales regardless of payment method. The bill requires the Lottery Commission to adopt implementing rules. Affected parties include the Colorado Lottery Commission and licensed lottery retailers.

Sunset Podiatry Board Extended to September 2035

Colorado House Bill 26-1344 would extend the repeal date of the Colorado podiatry board's licensing and regulatory functions to September 1, 2035, and would require licensed podiatrists to develop written plans ensuring the security of patient medical records. The bill passed the House on April 22, 2026 with a 51-14 vote and is awaiting further legislative consideration.

Small Business Recovery Program Modifications

Colorado HB26-1003 modifies the Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Loan Program by removing COVID-19 as the stated basis for the program, changing the matching funds ratio from $1 from the fund to $4 from other sources to $1:$1, and allowing loan deferrals for hardship without requiring a COVID-19 or economic conditions nexus. The bill removes county-based fund allocation requirements and requires the program to maintain targets for rural counties and businesses owned by women, minorities, or veterans. A $5 million transfer from the small business recovery fund to the Colorado startup loan program fund is required by June 30, 2026.

Colorado 150th Anniversary Resolution, Session 2026

House Resolution HR26-1007 honors Colorado's 150th anniversary and was introduced on April 13, 2026 by Representatives Stephanie Luck and Jennifer Bacon, assigned to the House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee. The L.001 amendment passed committee on April 20, 2026 on a vote of 11-0, and the amended resolution was referred to the House Committee of the Whole for third reading on April 22, 2026. This resolution is ceremonial in nature and creates no compliance obligations or regulatory requirements for any party.

Diễn đàn Hợp tác Tài chính Việt Nam – Hàn Quốc, Trao Giấy phép IBK

Diễn đàn Hợp tác Tài chính Việt Nam – Hàn Quốc được tổ chức chiều 22/4/2026 tại Hà Nội trong khuôn khổ chuyến thăm Việt Nam của Tổng thống Hàn Quốc, với sự tham dự của Phó Thống đốc Nguyễn Ngọc Cảnh – Uỷ viên Ban Thường vụ Đảng uỷ NHNN. NHNN đã trao Giấy phép thành lập ngân hàng 100% vốn nước ngoài cho Ngân hàng Công nghiệp Hàn Quốc (IBK) và chứng kiến Lễ ký Bản ghi nhớ hợp tác giữa KFTC và Công ty CP Thanh toán Quốc gia Việt Nam (NAPAS).

SBV Reports on Credit Policies for National Target Programs 2026-2035

On April 23, 2026, Deputy Governor Nguyễn Ngọc Cảnh of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) attended a government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Quốc Dũng regarding national target programs for rural development, poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for 2026-2035. The SBV reported completing its Q1/2026 task of directing credit institutions to implement agricultural and rural credit policies, with commercial credit outstanding for qualifying villages exceeding 2.4 million billion VND and policy credit at the Social Policy Bank reaching 2.8 thousand billion VND. The SBV expects to submit a draft Government Decree on preferential credit policies to the Government in June 2026, six months ahead of schedule.

Ten NC Colleges Selected for $2.5M Careers Electric Training Network

The North Carolina Community College System announced the ten community colleges selected for the $2.5 million Careers Electric Training Network, a workforce development initiative backed by the Siemens Foundation. Each college will receive $250,000 in flexible, performance-based funding to modernize electrical curriculum, enhance recruitment, and provide student support services. The goal is to increase enrollment in Electrical Systems Technology programs by 20% at each selected school over three years, addressing the state's growing need for skilled electrical workers in energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.

From Commitment to Implementation for Caspian Sea Protection

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen delivered a speech at the High-level Session on the Tehran Convention in Astana, Kazakhstan, emphasizing the ecological and human crisis facing the Caspian Sea, the world's largest enclosed body of water. The speech highlighted that water levels have dropped approximately 2 metres since the 1990s, with projections of an additional 8 to 21 metres decline by century end, threatening fisheries, ports, coastal infrastructure, food security, and potentially displacing millions of people across five littoral states. The Tehran Convention was described as the only legally binding regional framework for protecting the Caspian Sea's marine environment, with UNEP supporting substantive coordination steps with Caspian states since June 2024.

Retinal Irradiance Distribution Modification Devices, Apr 15

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4259054A1 by APERTURE IN MOTION, LLC covering devices and methods for modifying retinal irradiance distribution to improve and restore vision without producing corneal vitrification. The patent names Olivia N. Serdarevic as inventor and was published April 15, 2026, with designation extending to 36 European states. This represents a new intellectual property filing in the vision correction and medical device space with potential implications for competitors in the ophthalmic technology sector.

Koninklijke Philips X-Ray Dark-Field Phase Contrast Imaging System

Koninklijke Philips N.V. has been granted European Patent Application EP4017366A1 for a system enabling simultaneous X-ray dark-field, phase contrast, and attenuation image acquisition. The patent names six inventors and covers IPC classifications related to radiographic apparatus. The designated states include all EU member states plus other EPC contracting states.

Kawasaki Robotic Surgical System EP3984488A1, 15 Apr

Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha has been granted European Patent EP3984488A1 for a robotic surgical system, published April 15, 2026. The patent lists inventors MIZOHATA Yuichi, SHIMOMURA Nobuyasu, and KOBAYASHI Ayataka, and covers technology under IPC classifications A61B 34/30, A61B 34/37, A61B 17/29, and A61B 34/00 (Diagnosis & Surgery). The designation covers 31 European states including AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, and TR.

Surgical Tensioning Instruments, Globus Medical, Apr 15

The EPO published patent application EP3991675A2 for Surgical Tensioning Instruments, filed by Globus Medical, Inc. (inventor: MURRAY, Patrick) under IPC classification A61B 17/88. The publication grants exclusive rights to the applicant across 31 designated European states.

Pose Measurement Chaining for Extended Reality Surgical Navigation Patent

European Patent Office published application EP3858281A1 titled 'Pose Measurement Chaining for Extended Reality Surgical Navigation in Visible and Near Infrared Spectra' on April 15, 2026. The patent application names Globus Medical, Inc. as applicant and Thomas CALLOWAY as inventor, covering A61B classifications related to surgical navigation and extended reality systems. The designation covers all 34 European Patent Convention member states including AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, and TR.

Stryker Surgical Navigation Image Registration Patent, EP4091567A1

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP4091567A1, filed by Stryker European Operations Limited, describing a technique for providing user guidance to obtain registration between patient image data and a surgical tracking system. The application names inventors KÄSEBERG Marc, FINKE Markus, and WINNE Christian, and was published April 15, 2026. Medical device manufacturers and surgical navigation system developers should note this application for its coverage of image registration methods in computer-assisted surgery.

CSEM PPG Method Reduces Venous Pulsatility for Diagnosis

CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement has been granted European Patent EP3991641A1 for a method of determining physiological parameters using photoplethysmography (PPG) signals with reduced venous pulsatility influence. The patent was published on April 15, 2026 and names four inventors: Martin Proença, Philippe Renevey, Damien Ferrario, and Guillaume Bonnier. The invention applies to medical diagnostic applications including cardiovascular monitoring where venous pulsatility artifacts can interfere with accurate physiological measurements. The designation covers 27 EU member states.

EP4153062A1 Ultrasound Guidewire System

The EPO published patent application EP4153062A1 for an ultrasound locatable surgical guidewire system and method, filed by Baylor University and Scott&White Healthcare. Inventors listed include Linda J. Olafsen, Keith E. Schubert, Jeffery S. Olafsen, Samantha Dayawansa, and Jason H. Huang. The application covers A61B 8/08 and A61B 8/12 classifications and designates all EPC contracting states.

HeartFlow Treatment Determination Patent Using Patient-Specific Geometrical Models

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3971906A2 on April 15, 2026, filed by HeartFlow, Inc., covering methods and systems for determining medical treatments using patient-specific geometrical models. The application names inventors SPILKER, Ryan, EBERLE, David, and GRADY, Leo, and includes classifications in healthcare technology and medical imaging. Third parties in designated European states now have notice of the published application and potential opposition rights.

Hexacath Catheter Patent, Thermodilution Blood Flow Determination

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4164520A1 for Hexacath's dual-action catheter system combining thermodilution blood flow measurement with body obstruction destruction capability. Named inventors are Gilles Ascher, Bernard De Bruyne, and Nico Pijls. The patent covers 32 designated European member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Banyan Technologies Spatial Pattern for Anatomical Structures, 15th Apr

European Patent Application EP4346583A1 published April 15, 2026, covering methods and systems for obtaining spatial patterns of anatomical structures, filed by Banyan Technologies AG with inventor Damiano AguzzI. The patent application relates to computer-implemented methods for generating spatial patterns of anatomical structures for surgical and diagnostic applications, classified under A61B 5/107, A61B 5/00, and G06T 7/73. Protection extends across all designated European member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and 23 other contracting states.

Montana Launches First Online Prevailing Wage Surveys for Construction and Nonconstruction Occupations

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry has launched fully online prevailing wage surveys for both construction and nonconstruction occupations, replacing a paper-based system. The surveys run from April 6 through June 30, 2026, and employer participation is required to develop accurate 2026 wage rates used on public works and certain commercial projects. Data submitted after June 30 will not be included in the 2026 rate-setting process.

Montana Seeks Public Comment on Revised WIOA State Plan Aligning WIOA and Perkins

The Montana State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB) announced on March 26, 2026, a proposed revision to the WIOA State Plan that integrates WIOA, Perkins, Adult Education, and AI literacy components under the 406 JOBS framework. The draft plan explicitly treats workforce development, CTE, and work-based learning as a single integrated talent system rather than separate program silos. Public comments are being accepted through 5 p.m. on April 27, 2026. Stakeholders including employers, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies should review the draft plan and submit feedback before the comment period closes.

NM Governor Establishes 13-Member Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council

Governor Lujan Grisham has established the Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council, a 13-member body announced on April 22, 2026. The council is tasked with protecting ratepayers and modernizing New Mexico's electrical grid infrastructure. Two older announcements were repositioned within the Recent Posts section during a page reorganization.

Justice Canada Announces Protecting Victims Act, $50M Annual Funding for Victims

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Sean Fraser announced the Protecting Victims Act (Bill C-16) on April 22, 2026, describing it as one of the most consequential Criminal Code reforms in a generation to address intimate partner violence and femicide. The government currently provides approximately $50 million annually to support victims and survivors of crime, including $8.8M per year to provinces and territories for victim services and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, $1M per year for anti-human trafficking NGOs, and $3.3M per year for child advocacy centres. The act responds to recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission, the Renfrew County inquest, and the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime's systemic investigation into sexual violence.

DOH Confirms No Elevated Pesticides or Metals on North Shore After Kona Low Storms

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health released results from representative samples of floodwater, mud and sediment collected on Oʻahu's North Shore after the March Kona Low storms. Testing detected no elevated levels of pesticides or heavy metals — all results showed either no detectable levels or low levels well below any health risk. Low detections of legacy pesticides in one soil sample and naturally occurring metal levels were all below thresholds that may lead to a health risk based on lifetime exposure. The DOH urges individuals participating in cleanup activities to continue wearing PPE and practicing hygiene precautions.

AbbVie to Create 734 Jobs with $1.4B Durham Manufacturing Campus

Governor Josh Stein announced AbbVie Inc. will create 734 jobs in a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Durham County, North Carolina. The company will invest $1.4 billion to build the 185-acre state-of-the-art facility in the City of Durham. This economic development announcement represents a significant private-sector investment in North Carolina's biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

ICE Washington Arrests MS-13 Associate Wanted for Murder in El Salvador

ICE Washington, D.C. officers arrested Idalia Isabel Morales-Mejia on March 12, 2026, in Woodbridge, Virginia — a documented associate of the MS-13 gang wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide and illicit associations since October 2013. The Security Alliance for Fugigitive Enforcement Task Force in El Salvador provided updated intelligence in February regarding her possible presence in Northern Virginia, which led directly to her capture. The arrest highlights ICE's ongoing prioritization of public safety through the identification and removal of criminal alien offenders with violent gang affiliations.

Merger Review in a Trade War: ABA Antitrust Spring Meeting 2026 Panel

At the 2026 ABA Antitrust Spring Meeting, the Economics, International, and Mergers & Acquisitions Committees presented a panel on how rising trade tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping core elements of merger analysis. The discussion addressed market definition, the assessment of effective competitors, price elasticity, efficiencies, and remedies under trade frictions. Key takeaways include that parties asserting foreign competition must present deal-specific evidence showing imports actually enter at meaningful volumes and win sales, not merely assert availability; higher concentration and fewer credible substitutes make horizontal mergers harder to clear; and vertical combinations can strengthen resiliency arguments when expanding domestic manufacturing.

Panel Discusses International Space Law, AI Role

The ABA Science & Technology Law Section published a panel summary examining international space law frameworks including the Outer Space Treaty, Moon Treaty, and Liability Convention, alongside 18 U.S.C. § 1367. The discussion highlighted that outdated treaties, ambiguous AI liability under the Liability Convention, and unresolved legal frameworks for private space activities create significant barriers to commercial expansion beyond low Earth orbit. Panellists identified three emerging AI space applications—Earth observation, autonomous satellite steering, and quantum key distribution—each presenting unresolved regulatory questions for space object ownership and liability.

2026 Institute Addresses U.S. Data Security Risks Under EO 14117

The 2026 Privacy and Emerging Technology National Institute highlighted the first U.S. federal outbound national data security rule, enacted under Executive Order 14117, which restricts how certain U.S. data can be transferred by foreign entities. The rule targets 'covered persons' (entities owned or controlled by more than 50% by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela) and defines 'bulk sensitive data' categories including personal identifiers, biometric data, human omic data, personal health data, personal financial data, and precise geolocation data. Thresholds range from 100 U.S. persons for human genomic data to 100,000 for personal identifiers, calculated over a 12-month period, with government-related data having no volume threshold. The regulation uses an aggregation approach to prevent circumvention through incremental transactions.

ABA Panel: AI Empowers Cybercriminals in Ransomware Attacks

An ABA Science & Technology Law Section panel discussion examined how AI enables cybercriminals to execute ransomware attacks more efficiently, allowing data exfiltration within hours while victims may take over 200 days to notice. The panel advised companies to prepare incident response plans in advance, retain forensic and negotiation firms proactively, and verify whether threat actors appear on the OFAC sanctions list before considering any ransom payment, since companies face strict liability for payments to sanctioned groups.