Ideas
FaceApp Is Everyone’s Problem
It feels good to call out people for being duped by the Russian app, but the individualist framing of privacy is the bigger culprit.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Propose Bills to Secure Connected Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The legislation would set “reasonable” security measures for the numerous IT systems that power our increasingly connected vehicles.
Emerging Tech
A Clue to the Reason for Women’s Pervasive Car-Safety Problem
Crash-test dummies are typically models of an average man. Women are 73 percent more likely to be injured in a car accident. These things are probably connected.
Emerging Tech
We Were Promised Moon Cities
It’s been 50 years since Apollo 11 put humans on the surface of the moon. Why didn’t we stay and build a more permanent lunar base? Lots of reasons.
Modernization
Trump ‘Looking Into’ Pentagon’s JEDI Contract
The president said Oracle, IBM and Microsoft have been complaining about JEDI.
Modernization
Agencies Have a New Tool for Researching Electronic Records Management Services
The National Archives and Records Administration and General Services Administration collaborated on the market research tool.
Cybersecurity
DHS is Looking to Upgrade Its FISMA Compliance Tools
The new and improved information assurance system would help officials better understand and manage the department’s sprawling IT infrastructure.
Emerging Tech
Army Goggles Will Feature Facial Recognition Tech ‘Very Soon’
A modified gamer headset will allow soldiers to see through a drone’s eyes, aim around corners, and identify the faces of enemies in their sights.
Cybersecurity
How Penetration Testing Helps Agencies Spot Overlooked Cyber Threats
Security officials said the “ethical hacking” practice has been critical in helping them identify unseen risks.
Emerging Tech
Your Smart Toaster Can’t Hold a Candle to the Apollo Computer
Despite what everyone says about the power of modern devices, they’re nowhere near as capable as the landmark early NASA system.
Artificial Intelligence
The Pentagon Releases Its 5-Year Digital Modernization Strategy
Officials outlined plans to drive innovation, streamline IT acquisitions and build a more agile and resilient cyber posture.
Emerging Tech
How Government Can Help America Lead in Robotics
Experts fear automation and robotics get a bad rap.
Emerging Tech
Why Electric Scooters Companies Are Getting Serious About Safety
Lime has joined rival Bird in establishing a safety advisory board tasked with helping the e-scooter industry shape local regulations—and shake its risky reputation.
Policy
Bipartisan Legislation Targets Chinese Firm Huawei
Congress wants to up its authority on emerging tech threats from China.
Emerging Tech
Surveillance Cameras Debunk the Bystander Effect
A new study uses camera footage to track the frequency of bystander intervention in heated incidents in Amsterdam; Cape Town; and Lancaster, England.
Artificial Intelligence
OMB: How Can We Enhance Federal Data to Boost AI Research?
Artificial intelligence runs best on strong datasets and the White House wants the public to weigh in to improve both.
Modernization
Court Rules in Favor of Pentagon in JEDI Lawsuit
The ruling against Oracle clears the way for the government to award the contract in August to Microsoft or Amazon Web Services.
Emerging Tech
Interior Approves Chinese Drone Purchases Despite Spying Concerns
However, the agency has multiple technical measures in place to ensure the manufacturer can’t use the aircraft to spy on the U.S., according to the director of Interior’s drone operations.
Digital Government
GSA Offers First Look at Unique IDs to Replace DUNS
The General Services Administration gives a first look at the new Unique Entity ID, the validation system that will replace the long-standing DUNS number.
Modernization