Digital Government
OMB touts 'time tax' reductions for government services
Sam Berger, associate administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, spoke with Nextgov/FCW about progress made and what’s next.
VA pushes vets to Login-dot-gov or ID-dot-me for online access
VA said the change is estimated to affect approximately 3 million veterans, and phases out two legacy identity options currently supported by the agency for online access.
VA unable to collect over $665M in revenue because of tool suspension, OIG says
VA paused its use of a tool that consolidates community care data in February 2023 “after becoming aware of issues with its database code logic and of compromised stored data.”
SSA transitions online accounts to Login-dot-gov for sign in
The agency said the change will affect individuals who created “my Social Security” accounts through its website before September 18, 2021.
As GSA turns 75, one of its leading technologists reflects on the agency's mission
Ann Lewis, director of the Technology Transformation Services, talks implementation, money and more.
Jobless aid programs get a facelift under a bipartisan Senate proposal
The bill responds to asks from the oversight community, in addition to instituting requirements for states administering the funds.
DHS selects 6 digital wallet startups for identity security contracts
The agency aims to facilitate more ways to comply with travel document requirements while safeguarding U.S. citizen privacy.
Lawmakers want VA to report on its use of automation to process benefits claims
The legislative proposal seeks to enhance VA’s adoption of new technologies, including providing lawmakers with “a timeline for modifying and implementing the use of such automation tools” in the benefits claims process.
Supreme Court sides with Biden admin over contact with social media firms
The decision now lifts potential legal burdens on federal agencies’ communications with social media companies about disinformation on their platforms.
House pivots on data privacy bill, removing algorithmic discrimination coverage
The intended final draft of the American Privacy Rights Act includes new language on biometric data and data on minors, but notably removes civil rights protections sought by privacy advocates.
House panel advances bill to study TSA’s embrace of digital IDs
Travelers from nine states can now use mobile driver’s licenses to verify their identities at 27 U.S. airports.
State Department launches limited online passport renewal
The department previously piloted online renewals in 2022.
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What it will take to make Direct File permanent
The IRS will have to grapple with expanding access and capabilities — while also convincing skeptical lawmakers to maintain funding.
NIST, Beeck Center, CDT to collaborate on digital identity and public benefits
The National Institute of Standards and Technology will be working with the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation’s Digital Benefits Network as well as the nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology.
Bipartisan House bill offers NIST help
The Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act would create a separate organization dedicated to helping NIST with its mission objectives.
DOJ launches CX-focused initiative
The first project in the new push is focusing on improving the portals Americans use to report crimes to the Department of Justice.
Most Americans unaware of foreign intel operations’ scope on social media, State Dept. official says
U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nate Fick’s assessment comes five months before a high-stakes U.S. presidential election.
Tech sees steep cuts in House Republicans’ funding proposal
The Technology Modernization Fund would once again see zero contributions in FY25, though the U.S. Digital Service would get new authority to get reimbursements from agencies under the bill.
HHS launches online tool to identify communities hit hardest by extreme heat
The heat and health index tool provides zip code level data to flag neighborhoods that are the most at risk of experiencing harmful health outcomes as a result of high temperatures.
Agencies are on the clock to improve their digital accessibility — here’s how they’re doing so far
Guidance issued last fall set standards and benchmarks for agencies to improve their many public-facing websites.
