Digital Government

Creating responsible AI presents 'major technical challenges,' NIST official says

Experts discussed the regulations needed for fast-developing AI software, with NIST’s Elham Tabassi emphasizing the need for proper data and measurement strategies for different systems.

Cybersecurity

Lawmaker: Schools Need Federal Advocate to Negotiate Cyber Contracts

Sen. Ron Wyden penned a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, asking the agency to assist U.S. schools in drafting cybersecurity and data protection contracts with technology firms.

Artificial Intelligence

The Reaper UAV Is Getting Its Own Drone Swarm

Air Force special operators are rigging the venerable uncrewed aircraft with an ISR swarm that may take just one person to control.

Artificial Intelligence

Creating Responsible AI Presents 'Major Technical Challenges,' NIST Official Says

Experts discussed the regulations needed for fast-developing AI software, with NIST’s Elham Tabassi emphasizing the need for proper data and measurement strategies for different systems.

Acquisition

NSF watchdog warns of 'other transaction' pitfalls as funding decisions loom

The National Science Foundation is poised to distribute billions in research and development funding via legislation designed to boost domestic production of computer chips.

Cybersecurity

State Should Evaluate Global Anti-Cybercrime Efforts, GAO Says

A watchdog report said the State Department should take the lead in determining the effectiveness of federal agencies’ partnerships with international allies to combat digital crimes.

Policy

Bipartisan Space and Satellite Bills Reintroduced to Secure America’s Interests

The bills aim to promote competition, innovation, security and leadership in the commercial satellite industry by modifying FCC licensing rules and authority.

Emerging Tech

NASA Quantum Detector Could Help Expand Transmission Distance

Current quantum data deteriorates after a few dozen miles, but the new technology could send more data further.

Defense

Sketching out the rules for offensive cyber operations

The White House released the first-ever National Cybersecurity Strategy this week. It leaves the door open for more defined use cases for cyber operations.

Ideas

Three ways federal agencies can align with the equity executive order

Knowing who to reach, customizing communications and leveraging data are key to making the Biden administration's executive order on delivering benefits and services to underserved communities work in practice.

Ideas

Does Chronic Stress Cut Neurosteroids, Causing Depression?

New research with mice indicates how chronic stress affects steroids in the brain.

Digital Government

Skills Gaps Within OPM’s Own Workforce Could Make It Less Able to Help Others

The government’s human resources agency has outlined an ambitious agenda to make sure agencies are fully staffed, with the people who have the skills necessary for their jobs.

Policy

Panel Seeks Ways to Accelerate Pentagon Budgeting—and Keep Up with China

Recommendations are expected soon on adapting a decades-old way of doing things for the modern era.

Policy

New Federal Service Delivery Model Favors People and Problems Over Bureaucracy

The White House envisions applications for services like food assistance, Medicaid and other benefits taking 20 minutes, with enrollment coming after just 24 hours.

Cybersecurity

Ransomware Payments Decreased in 2022 as Criminals Used Other Extortion Tactics

A report from Recorded Future found that, even as ransomware continues to pose a global challenge for individuals and organizations, threat actors are increasingly using other methods to steal sensitive data and demand payments from victims.

Cybersecurity

EPA Releases Water Systems Cyber Requirement in Tandem with National Strategy

The Environmental Protection Agency unveiled new cybersecurity guidelines to help states evaluate their water sanitation systems’ defenses.

Policy

Report: 39% Federal Leaders Rate Accessibility as a Top Priority

Budget constraints and old technology add challenges to fully realizing digital accessibility.

Cybersecurity

Tech trade group leery of new regulations proposed in Biden's cyber strategy

The new national cybersecurity strategy calls for software providers to be held accountable for vulnerabilities in their products – a fundamental shift in approach that sparked concerns among some technology associations and firms.

Digital Government

New federal service delivery model focuses on people and problems, not bureaucratic silos

The White House envisions applications for services like food assistance, Medicaid and other benefits taking 20 minutes, with enrollment coming after just 24 hours.