Should the Law Limit Gene Tests?
Personal genomic testing is all the rage among people seeking to trace their ancestry or identify their risk of certain diseases, but last week the California Department of Public Health sent cease-and-desist letters to 13 gene-testing companies, ordering them to halt the practice because it violates state rules. The Wired Science blog offers the top ten reasons California ought to relax its regulations.
U.S. Could Fall Behind in Entertainment Tech Growth, Says Study
Worldwide consumer spending on the Internet and by cell phone—for television shows, music, and mobile Internet access—is expected to grow almost 22 percent annually, to $234 billion by 2012, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers reported in the New York Times. But over that same period, U.S. spending will grow at just 16 percent, to $75 billion, the study says. The study’s authors say developers of technology and content creators such as Hollywood are going to have to learn to work together to make the most of their opportunities.
Vermont Aims to Become the Delaware of the Internet
Delaware has prospered by passing business-friendly laws that encourage entrepreneurs to incorporate in that state. Now Vermont is taking advantage of a change in U.S. law that no longer requires corporations to have physical headquarters and in-person board meetings, says GigaOm. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas has just signed a law that will allow virtual companies to incorporate in his state.
No Tax Credits for Clean Energy
Consumers won’t have any tax incentives for installing solar panels on their roofs or buying plug-in hybrids. The Environmental News Network reports that the U.S. Senate blocked debate on a bill that would have extended various credits for from one to three years.
Bill Opens 911 Network to VoIP
Some telephone companies haven’t been making it easy for Voice-over-Internet-Protocol services like Vonage to tie into the 911 emergency network. Now the U.S. Senate has passed a bill requiring operators of 911 networks to let VoIP customers get through, no matter what service their calling from, says Ars Technica. This follows on the heels of legislation that requires VoIP services to provide Enhanced 911, which gives the dispatcher an address and callback number.
| Daily TIPs (technology, innovation, policy) is produced in collaboration with |  |