Remembering (even more of) Lancaster’s 2018 Tech Stories

Back in July, Matt Landis updated us on several of the stories confirming Lancaster’s technology sector continued to thrive in 2018. As we close out the year, let’s look at a few more that made the news in our area during the second half of the year!

• Think self-driving cars are still an early-stage thing for empty highways out west? Think again. PennDOT has approved the testing of self-driving vehicles here in Lancaster.
• Pennsylvania’s courts have (finally) ruled what we would have expected all along: employers must protect their employees’ personal data from hackers and those seeking the information for identity theft.
• The Ben Franklin Technology Institute has selected two Lancaster-based businesses, MajorMega and Benefix, to receive investment infusions in 2019. MajorMega is an entertainment company that has developed an immersive virtual reality experience, including fans and a moving floor. BeneFix is a software developer working to revolutionize the health insurance industry by making it easier to manage health benefits.
• Yes, addiction to technology is a real and scary thing. No, Matt and I do not have it… we hope.
• Technology is not just affecting the private sector. This year we’ve seen our local police departments updating their electronic record-keeping systems and integrating drones into their work.
• How do we keep this going long-term? By starting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training with pre-K students, of course!

We are looking forward to another great year for Lancaster’s technology sector. Best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy 2019 from all of us here at #RKGTechLaw!

Brandon Harter is litigator and technology guru at Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He received his law degree from William & Mary Law School and advises clients on issues of Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Municipal Law, and chairs the firm’s Tech Law Group.