Digital Government
Open Federal Data is Now the Law of the Land
President Trump signed the OPEN Government Data Act into law, requiring agencies to publish machine-readable data and appoint chief data officers.
Emerging Tech
Anatomy of an Electric Scooter Crash
The rise of the rented e-scooter has also brought safety fears and injury-related lawsuits. What happens when a new mobility mode meets the American legal system?
Digital Government
From TSA Call Outs to FAA Protests, Airports Are Feeling the Shutdown Pressure
Several airports are adjusting their operations to account for fewer security screeners showing up.
Acquisition
Rights groups urge top tech vendors to stop selling facial recognition systems to governments
Warning that facial recognition systems "exacerbate historical and existing bias" that hurts disadvantaged communities, a coalition of 85 civil rights groups asks Amazon, Google and Microsoft to stop selling the tech to governments worldwide.
People
Judge denies injunction in shutdown case
A federal judge denied an injunction in a union lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the practice of requiring some feds to work without pay during a shutdown. An injunction could have required feds currently deemed essential or excepted to be sent home.
Digital Government
Shutdown Consequences: Could a Drop in Credit Score Lead to Loss of Security Clearance?
Financial experts say not to worry, but at least one lawmaker wants assurances from the White House.
Emerging Tech
Lawmaker Asks FCC for Emergency Briefing
The House Energy and Commerce committee chairman wants location data answers, now.
Emerging Tech
The Transportation Department is Funding Autonomous Drones
It also wants to research how self-driving vehicles can be manipulated to threaten the public.
Emerging Tech
The Chill of U.S.-Russia Relations Creeps Into Space
Bungled plans between the U.S. and Russia highlight how hot-and-cold international relations mess with space exploration.
Digital Government
The tricky task of finding a new home for the Federal Protective Service
GAO tells DHS it needs to better define what is to become of its building security component.
Artificial Intelligence
The ‘Driverless Experience’ Looks Awfully Distracting
At CES 2019, carmakers showed off vehicles with perfume-puffing headrests, augmented-reality video displays, and all manner of in-car entertainment.
Cybersecurity
DOD still falling short on cyber, IG says
Most weaknesses in implementing the NIST cybersecurity framework were related to governance, which could impede the department's ability to manage cybersecurity risks as threats increase.
People
Lawsuit could send unpaid feds home during shutdown
A lawsuit filed by the National Treasury Employees Union challenging the constitutionality of not paying federal employees during a lapse in appropriations could result in sending home feds unpaid amid the shutdown.
Artificial Intelligence
How AI Will Find You In the Crowd, Without Facial Recognition
New deep learning methods tested on video footage groups of animals could be a surveillance hit.
Digital Government
A Warning for Elected Officials on Social Media—Court Says Don't Block Critics
A social media page can be the equivalent of a public meeting, a federal appellate court found for the first time last week.
Acquisition
DOD's health data exchange running on bridge contract
The system that allows the Department of Defense to share health data across multiple legacy platforms and with outside providers is running on a sole-source bridge contract while a bid protest is being resolved.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Propose Bills to Avoid Future Shutdowns, Secure the Power Grid
Congress also cleared a bill to ensure furloughed feds get back pay once the government reopens.
Digital Government