Policy

Justice Department Advises Agencies on Continuing to Meet FOIA Requests During the Pandemic

Watchdogs and journalists have been using FOIA to shed light on the federal government’s coronavirus actions.

Ideas

In the Battle Against COVID-19, Data Holds the Key 

Congress must act now on data initiatives to fight COVID-19.

Cybersecurity

NIST Seeks Input on Position Navigation and Timing Services 

The agency is tasked by an executive order to develop profiles for the technology based on its cybersecurity framework to inform agencies’ procurement. 

Emerging Tech

Advancing Blockchain Act Calls for Federally-Led Deep-Dive Into the Nascent Tech

One industry insider said it’s long overdue.

Digital Government

Trump’s Social-Media Order Is a Gift to Disinformation Bots, Experts Say

But much of the order may be legally unenforceable.

Cybersecurity

Government’s Annual Cyber Report Shows Improvements Across the Board

Agencies received lower scores for not holding contractors responsible for privacy requirements.

Emerging Tech

A Medical-Delivery Drone Service Gets Approval Amid Coronavirus

ZipLine, whose drones have delivered more than 100,000 packages in Africa, will begin flights in North Carolina.

Cybersecurity

How CISA's Planning to Track Agencies' Vulnerability Remediation

A request for information targets potential vendors to provide a platform that would support and monitor agencies’ efforts.

Digital Government

Agencies Start Reopening Offices, Though Approaches Vary

VA, EPA and IRS are among the agencies bringing employees back to their offices despite worker anxieties.

Artificial Intelligence

Bill Proposes Restructuring NSF and $100B to Focus on Tech

The new agency would feature a technology directorate to usher advancements in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, 5G communications and cybersecurity. 

Digital Government

House Bills Seek to Stop Political Ad Microtargeting

A pair of bills seek to limit how political campaigns can use data to reach voters.

Cybersecurity

White House to Seek Comment on National 5G Security Strategy 

The Pentagon and others want to move beyond activities focused on excluding Huawei and other equipment deemed tools of foreign adversaries from the ecosystem.

Artificial Intelligence

Defense Department’s AI Center Seeks Own Acquisition Authorities

Having its own mechanism for purchasing artificial intelligence will increase speed, according to the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center’s chief.

Emerging Tech

House Bill Would Mandate Comprehensive Probe into Quantum Computing Landscape

If passed, the legislation would mandate Commerce to conduct four in-depth surveys.

Emerging Tech

Bill Would Increase Broadband, Telehealth Capabilities in Rural America

Senate legislation would direct $2 billion in funding to help meet increased broadband demand during the coronavirus pandemic.

Digital Government

These Federal Agencies Have Seen the Most COVID-19 Deaths

Nearly 130 federal workers have died from the coronavirus pandemic.

Digital Government

Senators Make Bipartisan Push to Expedite Hiring for Workers to Oversee Pandemic Response

Measure would ensure special investigator has proper resources in light of Trump's recent IG firing spree, senator says.

Digital Government

FTC Housecleaning Highlights Health Data Rule that Could Be More Relevant During the Pandemic  

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comment on a decade-old rule that has never been enforced.

Cybersecurity

Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Accreditation Board Seeks First Class of Auditors

The group seeks experienced professionals to help shape an ecosystem of education and training possibilities for aspiring cyber auditors. 

Policy

States Struggle to Get Vote-by-Mail Plans Ready in Time

Many states delayed their primaries to give election officials more time to prepare, but quickly overhauling procedures comes with real challenges. What will it all mean for the November elections?