Digital Government

Does the Government Need to Rethink Its Weed Ban to Get Cyber Talent?

An executive order dating to the Reagan administration outright bans federal employees from toking up -- even off duty.

Digital Government

FCC unveils prototype website redesign

The new FCC site, with enhanced data functionality and a better search engine, is expected to launch by Sept. 30.

Digital Government

Feds Heighten Scrutiny of TSA Screeners and Aviation Staff to Thwart Insider Threat

The prospective measures stem from a report the Department of Homeland Security requested after a former baggage handler last December allegedly helped smuggle loaded guns aboard a plane bound for New York City.

Digital Government

18F’s Hillary Hartley on Redesigning Government Services: Put the People First

As deputy executive director of GSA’s digital services team, Hillary Hartley’s job is to put customers at the forefront of any technology project.

Digital Government

HealthCare.gov Still Gets Poor Marks for Customer Experience

The U.S. Postal Service and the National Parks Service get highest grades in government.

Cybersecurity

OPM widens online degree program, TSA tightens up, Sandia signs deal and more

News and notes from around the federal IT community.

Modernization

Video: How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?

Electronically eliminating the sounds of your surroundings may be one way to finally get some work done.

Artificial Intelligence

Do Killer Robots Violate Human Rights?

When machines are anthropomorphized, we risk applying a human standard that should not apply to mere tools.

Digital Government

Ryan and Murray’s Next Big Project: Better Use of Big Data

The budget wunderkinds want the federal government to use data to improve its efficiency.

Modernization

Video: John Oliver Is the Most Powerful Tech Lobbyist in the Country

The British TV host excoriated patent trolls on his show Sunday.

Modernization

GSA plots single sign-in

Connect.Gov is working toward creating a system in which users can access government websites and services using an existing credential.

Digital Government

Republican Lawmakers Want More Accountability for US CTO Role

The new legislation would make it easier for lawmakers to compel the U.S. chief technology officer to testify before Congress.

Modernization

The 'ISIS effect' on DOD networks

From Kuwait to Honolulu, the war with the Islamic State is changing how the U.S. military communicates.

Cybersecurity

DHS to expedite data scans for foreign fighters

The need to quickly identify foreign fighters has outpaced DHS's ability to protect its big data operations.

Digital Government

White House Promotes Tech Meetups

Under federal CTO Megan Smith, the White House hosted its first tech meetup, encouraging technologists from across the U.S. to network with each other.

Cybersecurity

Hackers Publicize US Authorities’ Home Addresses and Freeze Cops’ Computers

Just another week in ThreatWatch, our regularly updated index of noteworthy data breaches.

Modernization

Video: Is the iPad Dead?

Say it ain't so.

Acquisition

SEWP switchover, more GSA hallways and a Commerce industry day

News and notes from around the federal IT community.