Emerging Tech

Could Smart Cars Finally be Driving Towards Reality?

Autonomous vehicles offer the potential for making streets safer, but currently face regulatory and safety challenges of their own.

Policy

NIST gets reauthorization in $350 billion House tech bill

The National Institute of Standards and Technology receives expanded authorities and new funding in a massive legislative passage designed to ramp up U.S. semiconductor production and fund scientific research.

Policy

Congress is heading toward yet another stopgap spending bill this week to avoid a shutdown

A measure to fund agencies through March 11 will allow appropriators to get over the finish line on full-year spending, top House Democrat says.

Cybersecurity

IRS Suggests Need to Disclose Crypto Exchange Information to Law Enforcement

A letter the tax bureau sent to a key senator says stronger penalties for failure to report cryptocurrency-based income gains might also help deter cyber criminals.

Cybersecurity

New Cyber Safety Board Pivots to Tackle log4j Vulnerabilities

The DHS body’s primary focus will be on addressing vulnerabilities in the commonly used log4j software library, but will also incorporate findings on the ‘SolarWinds’ hack.

Policy

Controversial Section 230 Reform Finds More Opposition in Senate

A previous version of the bill was criticized by human rights groups and privacy advocates.

Emerging Tech

Opinion: Is There a Place For Spirituality in Space Science?

A top NASA official’s biblical remarks about the James Webb Space Telescope sparked an outcry. But they’re nothing new.

Policy

Lawmakers Argue Pending European Tech Laws Disadvantage American Firms 

Two senators asked President Biden to negotiate changes to the pending Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.

Policy

EARN IT Act Reintroduced, Draws Criticism Over Encryption Implications

Sens. Graham and Rosenthal reintroduced 2020’s Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act, but advocacy groups fear it misses the target in restricting content.

Policy

Lawmakers Request Continued Telehealth Expansion for Medicare

A letter signed by 45 members of Congress asked for continued federal funding for Medicare telehealth access as pending legislation aims to make it permanent. 

Policy

Lawmakers Ask Biden To Make Sure DOD Follows Climate Rules

The Pentagon has said it will not seek an exemption to the climate goals.

Policy

After 20 Years of Civilian Drone Strike Deaths, the Pentagon Creates An Office to Stop More

The military keeps repeating mistakes and is not ready for future fights because the lessons learned have not been instilled throughout the DOD, an independent review found.

Artificial Intelligence

Using AI, ML Will Help the Government Tackle Climate Change, Experts Say

Artificial intelligence can help scientists better forecast the impacts of climate change across numerous arenas.

Policy

FCC Blocks US Access for Another Chinese Telecom Company

Concerns remain surrounding data centers controlled by entities like China Unicom Americas.

Emerging Tech

Team Links Social Media Use to Worse Physical Health

Increased social media use led to more doctor visits and higher levels of chronic inflammation.

Cybersecurity

NIST Releases Final Cybersecurity Assessment Guidance 

The document extensively reviews best practices in security assessments for organizations. 

Digital Government

DISA’s First Diversity Chief Wants Tech and Data to Make a Difference

Damien Terry briefed Nextgov on his vision and goals for the new role—including a potential request for information in the pipeline.