Modernization

IRS Reforms Free File Program, Drops Agreement Not to Compete With TurboTax

The changes come after ProPublica’s reporting showed how TurboTax maker Intuit tricked customers into paying for tax prep they could have gotten for free.

Digital Government

Quick Hits

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Digital Government

FCW Insider: Jan. 2

The latest news and analysis from FCW's reporters and editors.

Policy

Yeah, It’s an Uber. Buckle Up Anyway.

States since 2015 that passed laws requiring rear seat belt use: two.

Policy

President Trump Signs Law to Curb Unwanted Robocalls

The law supports several federal agencies in more aggressively combating the annoying, automatic calls.

Modernization

Survey: Feds View Security as Biggest Hurdle to Cloud Adoption

While agencies are becoming increasingly reliant on cloud services, a survey reveals pain points in getting there.

Digital Government

Time to Worry About Electronic Pills and Privacy?

The question of who owns the patient’s data also generates a number of issues.

Cybersecurity

New Funding for Election Security Assistance Doesn’t Go Far Enough, Experts Say

Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, Congress appropriated $425 million for states to help secure election infrastructure.

Digital Government

GSA Wants Public Feedback on its eRulemaking Modernization Effort

The agency will accept comments and host two town-hall style meetings to address opportunities and public concerns on a range of related topics.

Modernization

After Two Years, JEDI is Finally Underway

The second year of competition for the Pentagon’s controversial cloud contract was as dramatic as the first.

Ideas

Why Saying 'OK Boomer' at Work Is Considered Age Discrimination – but Millennial Put-Downs Aren't

Workers aged 40 and older are protected by a federal statute that prohibits harassment and discrimination on the basis of age.

Emerging Tech

Proposed FAA Rule Would Kickstart New Economy For IDing Drones

The new remote ID rule would require all unmanned aircraft systems to have a unique identifier that can be tracked by the FAA, law enforcement and the general public.

Policy

OMB Finishes Major Tech Policy Overhauls in 2019

The Office of Management and Budget reworked several policies—some of which hadn’t been updated in a decade.  

Ideas

Playing with Old Phones Teaches Children Good Habits and Reflects Our Bad Ones Back at Us

During pretend play, children are often acting at a higher level to practice new skills.

Digital Government

Trump Finalizes Pay Raise for Feds in 2020

The new pay tables are out: Federal employees will see a 2.6% increase in basic pay next year, with an average 0.5% increase in locality pay.

Emerging Tech

Has the Rise of Uber Led to More Heavy Drinking?

New research suggests that ride-hailing is associated with increases in drinking behaviors in U.S. cities and metro areas.

Artificial Intelligence

How VA Is Tapping Cutting-Edge Tech for Veterans

From artificial intelligence to Walmart telehealth stations, the agency spent 2019 focused on how tech can augment its health services.