January 2026

Introducing: A People-First Chatbot Bill

This week, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), and the nonprofit Fairplay released model legislation for a People-First Model Chatbot Bill. The People-First Chatbot Bill intends to give lawmakers a straightforward approach to address the harms caused by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot products developed and deployed by tech companies with little oversight or transparency.

Weekly Digest

Introducing: A People-First Chatbot Bill

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Friday, January 23, 2026

The Telehealth Revolution That Can’t Reach Everyone

With the future of Affordable Care Act subsidies in doubt and skyrocketing healthcare costs burdening millions of American households, one powerful tool of modern medicine and technology is not being talked about enough: telehealth. Harnessing the wonders of modern telecommunication technologies, we can now deliver healthcare services at a distance—virtual video visits with healthcare providers, remote monitoring of chronic health conditions, accessing online health information, plus the secure transmission of electronic health records.

Chicago Releases Request for Proposals for Small Business Technology Enhancement Program

The City of Chicago released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new Small Business Technology Enhancement Program, an initiative aligned with the Chicago Digital Equity Plan and Cut the Tape for Small Business. Through this RFP, Chicago will award

Digital Inclusion Pathways To Health Equity

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual health care, with patients expected to interact through portals, secure messaging, and video visits, and with providers monitoring conditions using connected devices that collect and transmit patients’ biometric data. These technologies offer health care access for underserved communities but require internet access, devices, and digital skills.