Cybersecurity
FBI deleted Chinese malware from 4,200 US computers
The malware’s command server appears to be based in Tokyo and was accessed by French authorities who helped craft the code needed to remove the infection.
Artificial Intelligence
USPTO debuts 2025 AI strategy
The agency aims to introduce automation to support patent and trademark application processing.
People
OPM promotes deputy CIO to top tech role
He’ll succeed the recently retired Guy Cavallo in the role.
Artificial Intelligence
HHS AI plan looks to the private sector for collaboration
Public engagement and collaborative partnerships with the private sector “throughout the innovation pipeline” can help ensure that AI tools are being equitably used and deployed, HHS said in its AI strategic plan.
Digital Government
‘Over half’ of federal websites got better in the past year, OMB official says
Metrics released by the Office of Management and Budget offer insight into how agencies are implementing the 21st Century IDEA Act.
Artificial Intelligence
AI tools can help reduce climate risks, State strategy says
The release of the National Adaptation and Resilience Planning Strategy comes as a series of wildfires continue to burn across the Los Angeles area.
Emerging Tech
Commerce announces new export control on US AI products
The new export controls will alter licensing requirements for AI chips and closed-source models to allow allied nations to access U.S. AI innovation while preventing adversarial nations from doing so.
Digital Government
IRS Direct File to open a week after Trump’s inauguration
Republicans on Capitol Hill have asked the incoming president to scrap the free tax filing service developed during the Biden administration.
Emerging Tech
Global space economy tracking toward $944B by 2033: report
Emerging tech, government investment to fuel space spending.
People
Top Oversight Democrat says he’s open to collaborate with the DOGE
The new Department of Government Efficiency — which, despite the “department” referenced in its name, is an advisory effort, not a government department — has aims to trim the federal workforce and hunt efficiencies in tech and fraud reduction efforts.
Emerging Tech
El Capitan supercomputer is ready to handle nuclear stockpile and AI workflows
The fastest supercomputer in the world, housed at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, was dedicated to U.S. national security missions on Thursday, supported by novel hybrid processing chips.
Ideas
Generative AI in Government: What to Expect in 2025
2025 may be a major year for generative AI adoption across government.
People
GSA administrator: This agency’s workforce delivers effective, efficient government – now and into the future
COMMENTARY |The head of the General Services Administration, which manages administrative functions across the federal government, including real estate, acquisition and information technology, reflects on her tenure.
Artificial Intelligence
VA accounts for majority of all agencies’ safety- and rights-impacting AI
Of the 1,757 total AI use cases reported by federal agencies last year, 227 of them were listed as safety- or rights-impacting. VA accounted for 145 of those identified use cases.
Exclusive
Artificial Intelligence
AI startup Anthropic to build out public sector team
Thiyagu Ramasamy, formerly of Amazon Web Services, will lead the effort.
Cybersecurity
Forthcoming executive order seeks to plug holes in federal cyber practices
The eleventh-hour cybersecurity executive action asks agencies to rethink software procurement, supply chains and AI, among other things.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers call for a review of TSA’s biometric and AI use
Members of the House Homeland Security Committee are asking GAO to investigate the benefits and potential harms of TSA’s usage of artificial intelligence and biometrics.
Emerging Tech
Federal R&D needs sustained funding, OSTP head warns incoming Trump admin
OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar said the U.S. is “at a pivotal moment for federally-funded R&D” as misinformation and proposed budget cuts threaten government-driven innovation.
Exclusive
Digital Government
Coming cyber executive order includes a push to mobile drivers licenses
The draft order does not, however, tackle the full breadth of actions that were expected from a promised identity executive order that has yet to materialize.
Cybersecurity