Policy
US targets 6 to 8 month timeframe for new nations to join spyware pact
Six new countries joined the agreement last week, and the State Department was working behind the scenes to initially get more signed on.
Emerging Tech
Space operations likely to be shaped by sustainable emerging tech, report says
Innovative capabilities that promote reusability, safety and longevity are likely to dictate the future of space exploration, according to a recent white paper from Forecast International.
Artificial Intelligence
NIST’s new AI safety institute to focus on synthetic content, international outreach
Inaugural U.S. AI Safety Institute Director Elizabeth Kelly said she aims for the new NIST initiative to become the “leading safety institute in the world.”
Cybersecurity
US accuses Chinese hackers of 14-year campaign targeting government officials
The coordinated charges include sanctions on Chinese government-affiliated hackers and an up to $10 million reward for information about the defendants.
Ideas
Pump the brakes: National security concerns surround connected cars
Commentary | There is an established pattern of abuse that demonstrates the Chinese Communist Party is willing and able to conduct espionage by exerting its influence on emerging technology.
Defense
The US must create an independent cyber armed service, report argues
The study involved interviews with over 75 active-duty and retired U.S. military officers and argues an independent Cyber Force is an ideal operating model.
Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon’s outgoing AI chief warns Congress on safety, accuracy risks of the emerging tech
Craig Martell, the DOD’s chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, warned that ensuring the accuracy and value of large language models will be the “biggest charge” for his successor.
Cybersecurity
New bill would create payment incentives for the health sector to meet cyber standards
The measure led by Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. comes in the wake of a ransomware attack on UnitedHealth subsidiary Change Healthcare.
Modernization
Issues with VA’s new EHR have contributed to patient harms and one death, watchdog says
Three new reports from VA’s Office of Inspector General detail problems with the pharmacy module and scheduling service of the Oracle Cerner EHR system that made it difficult to reschedule medical appointments and effectively track veterans’ prescriptions.
Ideas
Generative AI could leave users holding the bag for copyright violations
COMMENTARY | The popularity of these tools poses questions about intellectual property and copyright protection.
Cybersecurity
Congress expected to approve government spending bill that cuts CISA funding
The agency has previously stressed that funding will be needed to combat cyber threats and coordinate with partners as the November presidential election approaches.
Digital Government
NASA releases first official scientifically focused tabletop roleplaying adventure
The module’s creator wanted to build a role-playing adventure that blended traditional gaming elements with the kinds of science and education that NASA projects are well-known for having.
Cybersecurity
Biden nominates first assistant defense secretary for cyber policy
The position was created to address concerns about missing civilian leadership in the Pentagon’s cyber policy space.
Digital Government
TMF, USDS hit with cuts in 2024 funding bill
The Technology Modernization Fund alone is slated for a $100 million clawback of American Rescue Plan Act funding under the appropriations package released Thursday.
Digital Government
Export control agency lacks funding and tech to manage its workload, official says
The head of the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security gave lawmakers “an emphatic no” when asked if his office has the IT resources it needs to carry out its mission.
Digital Government
House Democrats say they’re still concerned with CBP One
The app is part of the administration’s push to encourage migrants to use legal pathways to enter the U.S.
Artificial Intelligence
UN approves resolution on AI safety and advancement
In an effort spearheaded by the U.S., a coalition of 193 countries — including China — have agreed to pursue the promising potential of artificial intelligence systems while mitigating their risks.
Cybersecurity
Biden seeks 10% bump to civilian cybersecurity spending for FY25
The funding boost is influenced by the White House’s National Cyber Strategy released last year.
Cybersecurity
Government funding bill punts extension of controversial spying power
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expires April 19 unless reauthorized by Congress, and an 11th-hour funding bill crafted to avert a partial government shutdown doesn't address the matter.
People