Ideas

Promoting Trustworthy AI in Government

Successful agencies will do more than just innovate and invest in technology; they will work to ensure that AI in government is safe, reliable, and ethical.

Emerging Tech

Bill Would Ban Facial Recognition in Public Housing

The proposal would also direct the Housing and Urban Development Department to conduct a comprehensive report on how the tech is used, why and its impact on tenants. 

Policy

Women in the Biden White House Earn 99 Cents for Every $1 Earned by Men

The Biden White House has the narrowest wage gap since the country started tracking it in 1995, according to salary data released Thursday.

Cybersecurity

U.S., Russian Officials to Meet Following Kaseya Ransomware Attack

President Joe Biden also plans to meet with U.S. officials on measures to address ransomware.

Digital Government

Britney Spears’ Testimony Spurs Lawmakers to Question Federal Guardianship Data

They asked the Justice and Health and Human Services departments to provide more information about the legal arrangements.

Modernization

Survey: Nearly 80% of Feds, D.C. Employees Believe Productivity Increased With Telework

The American Federation of Government Employees survey comes as agency heads decide how to operate in the waning months of a pandemic. 

Cybersecurity

House Panel Approves DHS Bill with ‘Historic’ Funding for Cybersecurity

The bill would increase the budget for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency from both the previous year’s and the president’s request for fiscal year 2022.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Look to Give NTIA More Cybersecurity Responsibilities

During a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, witnesses drew attention to the absence of a permanent leader at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Digital Government

OMB Offers New Guidance For Implementing First Part of Evidence Act

The office repeatedly urged agencies to focus on results, not compliance, as they craft their plans. 

Emerging Tech

Watchdog: 10 Government Agencies Deployed Clearview AI Facial Recognition Tech

A Government Accountability Office report details how agencies used different versions of the biometric technology during the pandemic and protests.

Digital Government

NASA Ranks as the Best Place to Work in Government for Ninth Year

The federal government still has “a lot of work to do to improve its competitiveness with the private sector as an employer of choice,” head of the nonprofit that released the rankings says. 

Cybersecurity

Lawmaker, Tech Companies Clash on Software Transparency Requirements

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has defined "critical software" in accordance with an executive order to institute procurement standards federal agencies must follow.    

Ideas

Leveraging Encryption Keys to Better Secure the Federal Cloud 

In the same way we use a key to lock valuable assets in a safe deposit box, agencies can lock up encryption keys.

Digital Government

Pentagon May Be Underestimating IT Investment Risks, GAO Says

The Government Accountability Office evaluated 10 programs at a higher risk level than what was reported by DOD, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

Bill Would Create Cyber Workforce Training Programs at CISA and VA

The two programs would look to increase the pool of cybersecurity experts for the public and private sectors, but with a focus on preparing trainees for federal jobs.

Digital Government

Top Republican Calls for IG Investigations Into Feds’ Telework Productivity During Pandemic

An oversight subcommittee ranking member, Jody Hice, blasted the White House for seeking a permanent increase in federal remote work without first seeking more data about the impact on agency missions.

Artificial Intelligence

Deputy Defense Secretary Says US Needs to Defend Its Artificial Intelligence Better

AI safety is often overlooked in the private sector, but Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks wants the Defense Department to lead a cultural change.