Modernization

After Two Years, JEDI is Finally Underway

The second year of competition for the Pentagon’s controversial cloud contract was as dramatic as the first.

Ideas

Why Saying 'OK Boomer' at Work Is Considered Age Discrimination – but Millennial Put-Downs Aren't

Workers aged 40 and older are protected by a federal statute that prohibits harassment and discrimination on the basis of age.

Emerging Tech

Proposed FAA Rule Would Kickstart New Economy For IDing Drones

The new remote ID rule would require all unmanned aircraft systems to have a unique identifier that can be tracked by the FAA, law enforcement and the general public.

Policy

OMB Finishes Major Tech Policy Overhauls in 2019

The Office of Management and Budget reworked several policies—some of which hadn’t been updated in a decade.  

Ideas

Playing with Old Phones Teaches Children Good Habits and Reflects Our Bad Ones Back at Us

During pretend play, children are often acting at a higher level to practice new skills.

Emerging Tech

Has the Rise of Uber Led to More Heavy Drinking?

New research suggests that ride-hailing is associated with increases in drinking behaviors in U.S. cities and metro areas.

Artificial Intelligence

How VA Is Tapping Cutting-Edge Tech for Veterans

From artificial intelligence to Walmart telehealth stations, the agency spent 2019 focused on how tech can augment its health services.

Artificial Intelligence

The Pentagon Wants AI-Driven Drone Swarms for Search and Rescue Ops

The project will likely require AI and unmanned systems developers to work together under the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center.

Digital Government

Agencies Will Start 2020 With 20 Data Actions to Complete by Year’s End

The administration released the Federal Data Strategy Action Plan for the next year, adding four more action items from the draft released in summer.

Emerging Tech

Pentagon Remains Bullish on 3D Printing, Despite Regulatory ‘Slog’

Military officials want to put additive manufacturing to broader use, but barriers remain.

Cybersecurity

Homeland Security Releases TIC 3.0 Use Cases with Additional Guidance

The government’s cybersecurity department released a draft set of use cases and other guidance to help agencies build secure networks in the age of cloud and mobile.

Cybersecurity

Like Voldemort, Ransomware Is Too Scary to Be Named

Wary of alarming investors, companies victimized by ransomware attacks often tell the SEC that “malware” or a “security incident” disrupted their operations.

Emerging Tech

Lawmaker Asks DHS Secretary to Reassess Facial Recognition Programs After NIST Report

A National Institute of Standards and Technology report found age, race and gender could impact the accuracy in some commonly-used facial recognition algorithms.

Artificial Intelligence

The Crazy Government Research Projects You Might've Missed in 2019

Self-aware artificial intelligence, biology-based computers and “smart” surveillance are just a few.

Policy

Congress Approves Bill to Crack Down on Scam Robocalls

“There are no blue robocalls; there are no red robocalls — only despised robocalls.”

Digital Government

Russia Plans to Cut Off Some Internet Access Next Week

The Dec. 23 test aims to evaluate a system meant to control traffic, veil hackers, and quash dissent.

Emerging Tech

U.S., Japan Sign International Statement on Quantum Cooperation

The move comes as both nations are making strategic investments to accelerate advancements across the quantum landscape.