Ideas
COVID-19 Messages Make Emergency Alerts Just Another Text in the Crowd on Your Home Screen
Many people still react to such messages with uncertainty, irritation and intense emotion.
Cybersecurity
Biden Redirects Agencies on Securing Information and Communications Technology
A new executive order revokes bans on WeChat and TikTok but retains and adds to a Trump edict on U.S. tech, especially “connected software applications” tied to foreign adversaries.
Digital Government
Where’s the DOD IT Budget Breakdown?
The previous two administrations released separate DOD IT budget documentation going back to at least 2013, but the Biden administration has not yet done the same.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate Puts China in Crosshairs With Passage of Innovation and Competition Act
The legislation is long and its details remain murky—but here’s what we know.
Policy
White House Presents Steps to Address Supply-Chain Problems
A new task force would examine issues that surfaced during the pandemic, including semiconductor shortages.
Ideas
Bringing Tech Innovation to Wildfires: 4 Recommendations for Smarter Firefighting as Megafires Menace the U.S.
Managing the threat can start with better coordination and leveraging of technology for detecting and tracking the fires that matter.
Cybersecurity
Colonial Pipeline CEO: Cybersecurity Mandates From TSA Might Help
Hackers breached the company after gaining access to a virtual private network not protected by multifactor authentication.
Digital Government
Internet Ads Are a Popular Tax Target for Both Parties
The proliferation of unwanted internet ads and Big Tech’s staggering pandemic profits have fueled bipartisan efforts to capture revenue from tech companies’ mining of personal information.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Ask USDA, HUD and FCC to Cooperatively Help Expand Internet Access
Together, the agencies could make better use of data to close connectivity gaps, they argue.
Emerging Tech
Biden’s R&D Budget Proposals Look to the Future Not the Now, Experts Say
The request includes spending that could considerably impact America’s scientific enterprise—and stakeholders are feeling cautiously optimistic.
Artificial Intelligence
Deputy Defense Secretary Outlines Responsible AI Tenets in New Memo
Kathleen Hicks also designated the JAIC director to lead a working council charged with writing a responsible AI strategy.
Ideas
Overcrowded U.S. National Parks Need a Reservation System
Limiting visitors has two purposes: reducing COVID-19 risks and allowing some parks to recover from recent wildfires.
Ideas
Executive Order Hints at FedRAMP Alternatives
The order calls for modernizing the cloud-security program and opens the door for other frameworks to be used for authorization.
Modernization
Report: Nearly Half of Popular Federal Websites Fail Accessibility Tests
The report follows legislation and policy efforts undertaken by the government to improve accessibility efforts.
Cybersecurity
Why Government Needs More than Money to Fix Cybersecurity Issues
A bigger budget has its numerous benefits but it doesn’t magically scale teams or thwart threats.
Digital Government
Bipartisan Bill Would Elevate Federal Customer Experience
The legislation would also create a chief customer experience officer for the federal government.
Digital Government
Biden Budget Ups Request for Civilian Agencies’ Cybersecurity
The president’s funding proposal also puts numbers on the National Cyber Director’s Office and other priority cybersecurity areas.
Digital Government
Biden’s Pentagon Budget Request Focuses on R&D, Forward-Leaning Investments
But getting Congress on board with plans to divest in legacy platforms to fund new capabilities will be a challenge.
Digital Government
Biden Budget Boosts Federal IT Spending
The request would add another $500 million to the Technology Modernization Fund.
Digital Government