Modernization
Apple Wins Round One in Its Encryption Fight With the Government
A federal judge in New York rules in the company’s favor on the same legal principle that the FBI is using in California.
Emerging Tech
Can Google’s Driverless Car Project Survive a Fatal Accident?
To understand the future of self-driving cars, it helps to look back to the first lethal auto accidents, more than a century ago.
Cybersecurity
Carter sizes up emerging technology in Silicon Valley visit
Defense Secretary Ash Carter is pushing to solidify the Defense Department's relationships in Silicon Valley in the final year of the Obama administration.
Modernization
Here’s the Government’s New Policy for Optimizing Data Centers
The new Data Center Optimization Initiative “supersedes” a 2010 effort to close down data centers.
Cybersecurity
Energy Dept. seeks $83M increase to harden grid against cyberattack
The Department of Energy has requested an $83 million increase in funding to modernize the US electrical grid, the largest increase for any DOE research and development initiative.
Cybersecurity
Army seeks more cyber dollars in 2017 budget
The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army cautioned Congress that even a requested increase in funding won't be enough to get officials where they want to be.
Digital Government
Senators seek to foster governmentwide approach to IoT
A new bill would create a framework for discussing policy for the growing Internet of Things space.
Digital Government
US Now Launching Cyberattacks Against ISIS, Defense Secretary Says
This battle for Mosul ultimately will be the biggest U.S. operation in Iraq since the end of the last war.
People
GSA's Roth quizzed over IT modernization fund
Lawmakers are unsure whether the $3.1 billion plan to fund a rolling governmentwide tech refresh is a good bet.
Artificial Intelligence
IARPA Wants Smarter Algorithms -- Not More of Them
Program Director Jacob Vogelstein told Nextgov why IARPA is investing in new training for AI systems.
Cybersecurity
Visa Waiver Program now includes daily database check
More frequent database checks for Visa Waiver Program applicants is helping to prevent a potential blind spot, CBP's chief said.
Ideas
FITARA: The Messy Reality of Unintended Consequences
Mismanaged implementation may actually result in delays for IT delivery speed and effectiveness.
People
House passes bills to streamline federal hiring, presidential transition
The House passed two workforce related – one to eliminate administrative roadblocks in federal hiring and another to smooth presidential transitions.
Emerging Tech
You Can Now 3-D Print One of the World’s Lightest Materials
This technology will make the material much easier to use, and open it up to wider applications.
People
PSC picks new CEO
David J. Berteau, DOD's assistant secretary for logistics and materiel readiness, will succeed Stan Soloway as head of the Professional Services Council.
Modernization
Apple’s Next Security Update May Not Be User Friendly
If the company encrypts iCloud backups, users would likely lose access to their valuable photos and contacts if they forget their password.
Cybersecurity
CYBERCOM Chief Says More Industry Heads Will Roll After Hacks
At federal agencies, bosses have been slow to take the blame for hacks.
Emerging Tech
Video: What NASA Learned From Astronauts Spending a Year in Space
The human body isn't quite ready to go to Mars... yet.
Digital Government
Could Twitter-Savvy Teens Help Government Tackle Social Media Screening?
“As we're doing a background investigation, how could you not go look at their Facebook page?" said Rep. Jason Chaffetz.
Cybersecurity