And it works best when the data is curated before it reaches a first responder.

Google is suspending political ads in Washington state, while Facebook simply says state authorities have raised "important questions."

Austin Mayor Steve Adler says technology played a huge role in helping to find the perpetrator while social media services like Twitter helped keep residents notified of potential threats.

But the state legislature has the votes to override Gov. Mary Fallin's objections echoing election law experts that social media photos of completed ballots can lead to voter intimidation.

Commentary: Annie Barco of Nextdoor shares examples of how her company's social network is helping law enforcement form tighter bonds that make communities safer.

With new laws come new technologies.

The company pays users for taking photos, walking certain routes, or answering questions that help government fill knowledge gaps.

New survey results show that managing the data and expectations of their communities is often more than than government officials are ready for.

A new tool is hoped to get people engaged in democracy and equip lawmakers with constituent feedback that represents what the people really want.