Ideas
Can the U.S. Government Really Ban TikTok?
It is nearly impossible to ban any application completely.
Digital Government
Bipartisan Bill Would Standardize Public Health Data and Bolster Sharing
The legislation would also establish a cross-agency working group for ongoing recommendations.
Podcasts
Critical Update: Why a Government Vulnerability Disclosure Program Is a Big Deal
The new policy could change the government’s relationship with hackers but some agencies have reservations.
Modernization
IRS Doesn’t Know How Many Legacy Systems It Has or How Much They Cost, IG Says
The tax agency needs to start with a single definition of what constitutes a “legacy system.”
Digital Government
Survey: Federal Chief Data Officers Tout Importance of Data Governance
Data governance is a major key for the success of chief data officers across government.
Digital Government
Survey: Most Feds Who Have Been Working From Home During the Pandemic Are Afraid to Return to Their Offices
Nearly 80% of teleworking respondents to a new survey from AFGE said they don’t feel safe going back to their traditional worksite.
Digital Government
Lawmakers Ask Watchdog to Review New Coronavirus Data Reporting System Housed Within HHS
“We are concerned that these reporting changes undermine the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts,” wrote top House Energy and Commerce Committee members.
Digital Government
National Data Service Must Be Shaped by Agencies’ Needs, Experts Say
“Build it and they will come” isn’t the way to start a service, according to data experts.
Modernization
Senators Push FCC to Increase Funding for Rural Health Care Program
The program helps expand access to telehealth services in rural and remote areas.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon Acquisition Chief Clarifies Temporary Extension for Implementing Chinese Equipment Ban
A recent memo allows vendors additional time to comply with Section 889 for certain low-risk goods, but the department is not seeking mass extensions, Ellen Lord told reporters.
Policy
What the Post Office Needs to Survive a Pandemic Election
Fueled by the president’s unfounded claims about rampant voter fraud, and reports of equipment being removed, the plight of the United States Postal Service has captured America’s attention. Will it collapse? Here’s what you need to know.
Emerging Tech
Small, DIU-Approved Drones to be Made Available for Agencies to Purchase
The systems are deemed secure after months of development and testing.
Digital Government
IG: Agriculture Employees, Contractors Aren’t Being Disciplined for Improper Use of Agency Networks
The watchdog said inconsistent policies and reporting structures have led to minimal repercussions for people using agency IT in unauthorized ways.
Cybersecurity
IRS Granted Tens of Thousands of Devices Network Access Without Proper Authentication
Most devices accessing the Internal Revenue Service’s internal network using wireless connections and virtual private networks weren’t authenticated, according to an audit.
Ideas
Diversity Pledges Alone Won't Change Corporate Workplaces – Here's What Will
The problem is not a lack of commitment but what social scientists call “unconscious bias.”
Cybersecurity
Commerce Expands Restrictions on Huawei
The department's Bureau of Industry and Security added another 38 Huawei affiliates to its Entity List.
Digital Government
HUD Must Improve Data Collection Methods to Ensure Accurate Homelessness Count, Audit Says
Estimates of the homeless population are likely undercounts.
Cybersecurity
Number of Foreign Companies Within Defense Supply Chain Grew Over Past Decade, Report Says
Reliance on foreign suppliers in the defense industrial base rose—notably in packaged software and IT services—even as calls for reshoring increase, according to a new report.
Policy
CBP Shifts to Enterprise Approach to Manage Phone Searches at U.S. Borders
The agency uses metadata to create a system of record for electronic device searches but agents may be able to access information irrelevant to their cases.
Cybersecurity