Indiana

Longtime executive Ted Cotterill has stepped down as state chief privacy officer and general counsel to the Management Performance Hub. He helped shape the legislation that codified MPH in state law in 2017.

As some public safety agencies are experiencing more flexibility and speed in getting waivers from the Federal Aviation Administration for advanced drone programs, experts predict the use of UAS to rapidly rise.

State applications and some websites were unreachable for a time on Thursday after incoming and outgoing traffic was stopped. Emails emphasized there were no problems with the apps, or data vulnerabilities.

The Indiana Secretary of State’s Office is migrating its divisions from legacy systems to the cloud; this supports artificial intelligence implementations such as the recent launch of two new AI-powered chatbots.

Indiana has turned to a familiar face to lead the state Office of Technology in an interim capacity following the departure of former CIO Tracy Barnes and the inauguration of a new governor.

The Hoosier State will receive a Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation grant from the federal Department of Transportation. Plans include teaching students about flying drones and collecting data.

Joshua Martin, who oversaw the development of Indiana’s first statewide data strategy and data literacy training, will be leaving his role in January.

After more than four years in his position as state CIO, Tracy Barnes is preparing for his January departure, when a new governor will take the reins from Gov. Eric Holcomb. Barnes has been with the state nearly a decade.

Driven by student interest and funded through student fees and philanthropy, a new esports facility with 25 new gaming computers is open for both competitive and recreational gaming.

The state is broadening a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment program to include water and wastewater utilities. Officials aim to do at least 342 tailored security examinations by 2026 to help local governments.

In a move to enhance cybersecurity and digital services statewide, the Indiana Office of Technology is offering no-cost websites to all local governments, using its purchasing power with Tyler Technologies.

Indiana is one of the first states to deploy a beta version generative AI chatbot on its official website. Conscientious of unintended consequences, Indiana is focusing on transparency, user feedback and iteration.

Some Indiana State University students are helping solve crimes through their processing of digital forensic evidence as part of a High Tech Crime Unit, having even assisted with a recent prosecution.

The robotic arm consists of 3D-printed pieces, screws, a circuit board and four motors. Despite its size, there is a gripper on the end of it, capable of picking up small items, like a screw.

Police Chief Mike Lee said the technology is part of the Flock Safety law enforcement system, which also includes license plate readers in Anderson and in several other locations in Madison County.

Five years ago, Indiana enacted a law offering tax incentives for data centers to help pave the way for the Digital Crossroads data center at the site of the former State Line Generating Plant in Hammond.

The Gary Police Department received $264,000 in Community Project Funding to purchase more license plate reader technology for the city, adding to the 170 they currently have.

Plus, Indiana is getting more than $81 million in broadband funding, new research suggests AI is directly related to digital equity, and more.