People
Bill enhancing contractor whistleblower protections advances to full Senate
The bipartisan proposal would close loopholes that have left federal contractors vulnerable to retaliation.
Digital Government
New bill aims to bring SNAP card security up to credit card standards
Security standards for SNAP cards have not kept pace with industry advancements, lawmakers say.
Ideas
How a Biden order intended to protect Americans' privacy could actually harm it
COMMENTARY | The order will not stop the flow of data abroad because it does not limit the flood of constant, ubiquitous data collection.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Flaws in public records management tool could let hackers nab sensitive data linked to requests
The GovQA platform, created by IT company Granicus, contained vulnerabilities that could have let cybercriminals retrieve tranches of sensitive files tied to public records requests, a security researcher revealed to Nextgov/FCW.
Cybersecurity
Government facilities were third largest ransomware target in 2023, FBI says
The FBI’s IC3 findings also show government official impersonation scams are on the rise.
Artificial Intelligence
House Oversight leaders introduce government AI transparency bill
This isn’t the first proposal that would require agencies to notify individuals when government decisions are influenced by AI.
Cybersecurity
House panel to weigh bill barring data brokers from making transfers to foreign rivals
The measure, backed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s leaders, considers similar data types listed in a recently signed data security executive order.
Exclusive
Digital Government
White House stalls on digital identity mandate, despite billions in fraud
President Biden previewed an executive order in his 2022 State of the Union meant to address identity theft and fraud in public benefit programs. As Biden gears up for his 2024 address, the order still hasn’t been released.
Digital Government
Lawmaker proposes strict transparency regime for GSA’s tech service
The new legislation comes in response to an ongoing House Oversight and Accountability Committee investigation into what Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, described as an “unaccountable organization.”
Artificial Intelligence
Regulators should consider 3 factors for AI safety, former national cyber director says
During a meeting focused on safety considerations of the emerging technology, former National Cyber Director Chris Inglis advocated for a holistic approach to artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon official says US values will outcompete Beijing in AI
The U.S. continues to lead the global AI arms race with China “because it's powered by a free and open society, committed to responsible-use values and ideals,” according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.
Digital Government
CISA is still maintaining radio silence with social media as Super Tuesday kicks off
The lack of communication stems from an ongoing Supreme Court case that one top senator says Biden administration lawyers have been “too timid” in addressing.
Policy
VA budget bill maintains EHR funding but imposes additional ‘reset’ oversight
The bipartisan FY24 budget package allocates over $1.3 billion for the agency’s new electronic health record system but makes 25% of that funding contingent on enhanced transparency around VA’s ongoing EHR “program reset.”
Cybersecurity
CISA is coordinating with election security partners for Super Tuesday voting
The principal agency responsible for election security is asking public and private sector election administrators to share potential threat information as voters go to the polls.
Artificial Intelligence
AI could help clear food stamp backlogs plaguing some states
States are increasingly seeing it as a way to better process public benefit programs amid workforce shortages and outdated technology issues. But change can be incremental amid policy and money concerns.
Emerging Tech
NSF announces $40 million for AI-powered protein design applications
The National Science Foundation wants researchers across disciplines to develop applications for artificial intelligence that boost researchers’ advancements in protein design.
Acquisition
State is taking an ‘important step’ for planned EHR, as key lawmaker moves to speed it up
State’s Bureau of Medical Services has been working for more than a decade to replace its current paper-based medical record system with an electronic solution to better meet the healthcare needs of its diplomatic corps.
Digital Government
IRS Direct File to be fully available March 12
The tool is a new way for eligible taxpayers to file directly with the IRS online for free.
Cybersecurity
Biden’s new data security order leaves industry officials, privacy advocates scratching their heads
Implementing the executive order will involve crafting new legal mechanisms for data transfers while assuaging ongoing privacy concerns.
Cybersecurity