Policy

Major Changes to Internet Regulation Unlikely Under Biden Administration

A split Congress makes major internet policy changes even more unlikely.

Cybersecurity

IoT Security Bill Nears Passage as New Consortium Tackles Open 5G

Government officials are thinking about how the use of drones as part of the network infrastructure will affect security.

Digital Government

Would Biden WH, GOP Senate Prevent Defense-Spending Dip?

As the nation waits for election results, some analysts are looking ahead.

Digital Government

10 Competitive Races for Federal Employees to Watch

Senate control hangs in the balance as several races of key importance to feds are among the tightest in the country.

Modernization

Library of Congress’ Copyright Office Taps Centers of Excellence to Improve Contact Centers

The Library became the 10th agency to contract with the General Services Administration’s in-house IT modernization consultancy.

Modernization

Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Seeks to Formally Authorize IG Website

Oversight.gov was created in 2017 to consolidate IG reports for easy access.

Digital Government

House Democrats Urge OPM to Halt Implementation of Order Politicizing Civil Service

House Oversight and Reform Committee leaders want to investigate the development and analysis of the effort to strip wide swaths of the federal workforce of civil service protections.

Emerging Tech

Lawmaker Proposes Federal Institute of Technology and New Contracting Set-Aside

The 21st Century Jobs Package would create a federal agency for training the workforce of the future and incentivize federal contracting officials to buy from vendors who hire rural American workers.

Digital Government

OMB Official Says Evidence Act Implementation Guidance May Come in Early 2021

Two Office of Management and Budget officials discussed the guidance at the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building.

Cybersecurity

Congress Faces Contentious Cyber Proposals When NDAA Conference Kicks Off

Industry groups are hoping these will lead to greater investment in government intelligence services to protect their assets.

Ideas

Is the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act Enough?

Everyone needs to smarten up on smart technology.

Cybersecurity

New Bill Would Codify States’ Ability to Use Federally Funded National Guard for Cybersecurity

National Guard troops currently being activated to monitor cybersecurity in the upcoming elections are paid for by states.

Emerging Tech

Bill Would Hold Tech Companies Responsible When Their Algorithms Promote Extremist Content

The legislation would remove liability immunity from Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

Emerging Tech

DHS Biometrics Proposal Represents ‘Unacceptable Escalation of Government Surveillance,’ Senators Say

Five senators sent a letter urging the Homeland Security Department to abandon a proposal to expand its biometrics program.

Ideas

In Response to the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act

There is a balance that needs to be maintained between national security posture and upholding privacy—a balance that this bill is missing. 

Cybersecurity

Federal Contractors Argue Cyber Insurance Isn’t a Safe Bet for Better Security

The idea that a vibrant insurance market could be an industry-friendly cybersecurity solution may be based on a flawed assumption.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Commission Recommends Powerful CTOs to Prep for Great Power Competition

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence offers 66 recommendations for out-innovating China.

Digital Government

GPO Employees Overwhelmingly Satisfied With Leadership, IT Support During COVID-19 Telework

Employees gave their agency very high marks but asked for clarity about essential onsite work and use of personal IT equipment.

Digital Government

Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Make Payroll Tax Deferral Optional

Legislation requiring workers, including federal employees and military service members, to consent in writing to have their Social Security taxes deferred between now and the end of the year has the support of nearly 20 employee groups.

Emerging Tech

House Lawmakers Re-Introduce Bill to Provide Legal Backing for Blockchain Records

It marks the latest of several other acts recently introduced that hone in on the emerging technology.