Policy
Defense Acquisition Guidance Overhaul Will Focus Squarely on Software
The Defense Department shouldn’t be buying software the same way it buys weapons, and the next version of its acquisition guidance should reflect that.
Digital Government
Should Libraries Be the Keepers of Their Cities’ Public Data?
Public libraries are one of the most trusted institutions, and they want to make sure everyone has access to the information cities are collecting and sharing.
Digital Government
FBI Should Tighten Monitoring of Employee Texting, Watchdog Says
Software recommendations come as follow-up to 2016 review of alleged political bias.
Digital Government
Trump Says He’s ‘Extremely Unhappy’ With Spending Agreement, Still Predicts No Shutdown
Congressional leadership appears on board with the deal, though Trump would not commit to signing it.
Artificial Intelligence
White House Unveils a National Artificial Intelligence Initiative
The executive order calls for agencies to focus on AI, but details and funds are sparse.
Artificial Intelligence
China’s Rapid AI Development Has Its Limits: Report
Chinese artificial-intelligence researchers are aware of ways their work lags the United States’—and Beijing is working to fix those.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Propose a Rotational Program for Federal Cyber Workers
They also introduced bills to bolster counterterrorism efforts, stop robocallers and keep ZTE in check.
Emerging Tech
Amazon Proposes Facial Recognition Guidelines to Policymakers
The company called for “open, honest and earnest dialogue” instead of a ban.
Digital Government
Diplomats Aren’t Following the State Department’s Social Media Rules, Watchdog Says
At least 20 ambassadors have used their personal Twitter accounts for diplomatic activities.
Digital Government
Partnership for Public Service Pushes for the End of Shutdowns Forever
The nonprofit, nonpartisan group urged Congress and the president to come together.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Push for the State Department to Help Secure Foreign Elections
Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Dan Sullivan resurrected a bill that would allow the agency to share information on election threat with foreign countries.
Artificial Intelligence
The Pentagon’s First AI Strategy Will Focus on Near-Term Operations — and Safety
The document is intended to make commander think through the implications of their new artificial-intelligence tools.
Digital Government
Trump Calls for Unity but Highlights Divisions That Sparked Shutdown
In his state of the union address, the president praised the work of some federal employees, criticized others for misbehavior.
Emerging Tech
27 Groups Call on Congress to Deny ‘Smart Wall’ Funding
Groups are speaking out against a congressional proposal to up spending on surveillance tech on the border.
Modernization
VA’s Health Record Overhaul Could Get Even More Expensive, Officials Say
The agency’s acting deputy secretary called the project’s $16 billion price-tag “an educated guess.”
Ideas
Technology Legislation Slowly Crawling Forward
These bills could benefit the federal government's operations.
Digital Government
Senators Seek Pentagon Reassurance on Department’s Financial Audit
The bipartisan group is worried that the expanded duties of Defense CFO David Norquist could delay reports to Congress.
Ideas
A Mission Assurance Strategy Built for 2020 (and Beyond)
Our connected reality presents massive challenges to military and commercial entities working to safeguard networks from growing threats.
Ideas
When Regulating New Tech Harms Public Safety
Facial recognition technology is new and nascent, but not a departure from the innate abilities humans are born with. Efforts by states to limit its use harms public safety and deters innovation.
Digital Government