Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers Launch Caucus to Address Emerging Tech’s Impact on Work
The Future of Work Caucus’ ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive policy strategy to proactively address emerging technologies’ impact on jobs and workers across the U.S.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Working on Legislation to ‘Pause’ Use of Facial Recognition Technology
Details on the bill remain scarce, though lawmakers at a hearing Wednesday expressed interest in halting the use of facial recognition until the tech can be brought under control.
Emerging Tech
Senate Passes Legislation to Help Boost and Secure the Internet of Things
Billions of connected devices could offer new economic opportunities—and security challenges—over the course of the next decade.
Emerging Tech
House Passes Trio of 5G Security Bills
Together, the measures aim to promote a safer rollout of the highly-anticipated, next-generation mobile networks.
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Ask FCC to Protect Consumers from Phone Hijackers
The request comes amid an uptick in SIM swap scams.
Policy
Experts Recommend Expanding Agencies’ Authorities to Combat Online Deception
At Facebook’s first congressional testimony of the 2020s, experts said agencies’ jurisdiction should include the digital spaces.
Policy
President Trump Signs Law to Curb Unwanted Robocalls
The law supports several federal agencies in more aggressively combating the annoying, automatic calls.
Cybersecurity
New Funding for Election Security Assistance Doesn’t Go Far Enough, Experts Say
Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, Congress appropriated $425 million for states to help secure election infrastructure.
Emerging Tech
Lawmaker Asks DHS Secretary to Reassess Facial Recognition Programs After NIST Report
A National Institute of Standards and Technology report found age, race and gender could impact the accuracy in some commonly-used facial recognition algorithms.
Digital Government
Trump Signs 2020 Spending Bills, Averting Midnight Shutdown
The $1.4 trillion measures boost funding for most agencies and provide a 3.1% pay raise to civilian feds.
Policy
Congress Approves Bill to Crack Down on Scam Robocalls
“There are no blue robocalls; there are no red robocalls — only despised robocalls.”
Digital Government
Senate Sends Shutdown-Averting Spending Bills to Trump
President is expected to sign the $1.4 trillion measures that would boost funding for most agencies and provide a 3.1% pay raise to civilian feds.
Emerging Tech
Lawmakers Demand Answers on Facial Recognition Deployments in Public Housing
In a letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, democrats from both chambers raised concerns about threats to residents’ privacy.
Digital Government
The Governmentwide Tech Guide to the 2020 Spending Deals
The 2020 appropriations package includes billions for tech upgrades at some agencies, as well as funding for governmentwide modernization projects. In some cases, that money comes with strings attached.
Policy
Lawmakers Raise Concerns About a China-Led World Intellectual Property Organization
As WIPO searches for a new leader, U.S. lawmakers worry about China’s nomination.
Digital Government
Experts Praise New Acquisition Workforce Training Requirements
The “significant” provisions will align the public and private sectors, said one.
Emerging Tech
Senate Advances Legislation to Preserve T-Band Spectrum for Emergency Personnel
Experts agree that Congress must reverse a rule to protect the crucial band set aside specifically for first responders in dense cities.
Emerging Tech
House Passes Bill that Mandates TSA to Study Emerging Transportation Security Threats
The legislation calls for a task force to look into emerging cyber, chemical, drone and other threats.
Policy
Defense Policy Bill Establishes a Defense Civilian Training Corps
The corps will address “critical skills gaps” in the department’s workforce.
Digital Government