Digital Government
FCW Insider: Jan. 16
The latest news, quick hits and other updates from FCW's reporters and editors.
Modernization
IRS recalls employees to work without pay
With tax filing season colliding with the shutdown, the IRS is bringing back tens of thousands of employees to process returns -- and most IT staffers were already excepted and on the job.
Digital Government
Here’s How the Shutdown Hurts Government Contractors
The shutdown is having a major effect on government contractors and federal employees alike.
Digital Government
Defense Acquisition Reform Panel Suggests Reevaluating Department CIO
The Section 809 Panel’s third report recommends big changes to how the Defense Department buys technology.
Digital Government
FCC Chairman Declines to Brief Congress About Location Data Controversy
Lawmakers wanted to hear from the FCC about the recent hot-button issue of mobile carriers selling location data to third parties.
Digital Government
Judge blocks citizenship question from 2020 census
The administration can appeal the ruling, and an already-pressed testing process for Census Bureau systems must adjust yet again.
Modernization
House Unanimously Passes Bill to Elevate the Federal CIO
But the Federal CIO Authorization Act still has no Senate counterpart.
Digital Government
House passes CIO bill
Legislation would strengthen reporting structure for CIO, CISO, require IT reports and plans.
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