Artificial Intelligence
7 tech companies commit to protect consumers from rising electricity prices
President Donald Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge was announced during his State of the Union address and is intended to alleviate the burden of AI-related infrastructure costs.
Acquisition
Agencies begin to shed Anthropic contracts following Trump’s directive
Officials from the departments of Treasury, State and Health and Human Services confirmed they would be acting to comply with the White House mandate.
Defense
Strikes on Iran will test US cyber strategy abroad, and defenses at home
The federal government’s cyber defense agency is short-staffed, and Tehran is known for its retaliatory cyberattacks.
Breaking News
Defense
Trump directs government to ‘immediately cease’ using Anthropic technology
Ban follows AI firm’s refusal to enable mass surveillance, autonomous weapons.
Emerging Tech
It would take the Pentagon months to replace Anthropic’s AI tools: sources
AI maker digs in with Thursday statement rejecting DOD pleas for unfettered use.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump unveils Big Tech pledge to offset rising data center energy costs
President Donald Trump’s national address touched on the rising energy costs incurred by increasing AI use, in addition to reinforcing his administration’s imperative to tackle fraud in government programs.
Artificial Intelligence
The Pentagon says it’s getting its AI providers on ‘the same baseline’
Military is still abiding by ethics principles, according to DOD research head.
Digital Government
Senators demand to know the IRS’ path forward following the end of Direct File
The IRS ended the online, direct-to-government filing program last fall and is doubling down on the free tax filing options it offers through tax prep companies in a partnership called Free File.
Digital Government
Trump’s nutrition website directs users to Elon Musk’s Grok
The inclusion of Elon Musk’s chatbot in the government website follows backlash over the chatbot creating millions of sexualized images of women and children.
Acquisition
CIA announces new acquisition framework to speed tech adoption
DARPA alum Efstathia Fragogiannis joined the agency as its new procurement chief in November and will be spearheading the effort, according to a CIA official.
Cybersecurity
Senator says AT&T and Verizon blocked release of Salt Typhoon security reports
“AT&T and Verizon apparently intervened” to block a major cyber intelligence firm from sending documentation about the telecom hackers, Sen. Maria Cantwell wrote in a letter.
Cybersecurity
CISA to cease participation at RSAC conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
The decision, which has been in motion over the last week, highlights the Trump administration’s push to strictly control how current officials participate in industry events linked to former senior leaders now under White House scrutiny.
Emerging Tech
Getting quantum tech from research to commercialization requires partnership, federal experts say
Federal experts working in quantum information sciences and technology mapped out commercialization paths for quantum technologies, specifically quantum computing, at a Thursday hearing.
Acquisition
GSA reaches latest OneGov agreement with Broadcom
“By partnering directly with Broadcom, we’re expanding access to commercial-grade AI and cybersecurity capabilities — while reducing cost and complexity for agencies,” Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum said in a statement.
People
Katie Arrington departs DOD to rejoin private sector
CMMC's standard bearer is joining quantum computing company IonQ as its chief information officer.
People
Trump officials consider skipping premier cyber conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO
Jen Easterly, who led the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under Biden, was named CEO of RSAC Conference Thursday.
People
Trump’s Tech Force hiring effort extends application deadline
Ethical questions remain about how managers from the approximately 30 industry partners involved in the program will work for the government without triggering conflicts of interest.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers worry over new rule that will allow sales of Nvidia’s H200 chips to China
A revised licensing review policy will allow Chinese firms to purchase Nvidia’s H200 chips, although some members of Congress say the move will embolden Beijing’s own AI ambitions.
Artificial Intelligence
Grok is in, ethics are out in Pentagon’s new AI-acceleration strategy
Seven projects are to lead the charge to embed artificial intelligence ever more deeply in military affairs.
Emerging Tech