Cybersecurity

Spy law reauthorization postponed to avoid tough privacy votes

A markup to reauthorize the USA Freedom Act was pushed back indefinitely as members deal with the fallout of a new oversight report and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) prepares to introduce a number of proposed amendments.

Modernization

App Tells You Who's Collecting Your Data and Why

Find out what internet of things devices around you may be tracking you.

Cybersecurity

End-to-End Encryption and Law Enforcement Access to Data Can Coexist, Justice Official Says

The official pointed to Australian and U.K. laws as models for the U.S. and an emerging “international consensus” on the issue. 

Cybersecurity

Congressman floats 'FITARA-like' scorecard to measure security clearance process

A significant reduction in the backlog of security clearance investigations over the past two years has contractors feeling more optimistic, but concerns about lengthy adjudications and reciprocity between federal agencies still linger.

Digital Government

NIST Expects to Create Privacy Guidelines for Smaller Organizations

National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Walter Copan offered insights in how the agency’s privacy framework came together and its future.

Ideas

What Can Barnstormers Teach Us about Face Recognition? 

New technologies and a lack of regulation cause real and imagined problems. 

Cybersecurity

House Subcommittee Knocking at Amazon’s Door Over Ring Data

The chairman of a House Oversight panel wants a briefing with Amazon officials about the consumer security tool.

Digital Government

Gillibrand bill would create new data protection agency

The independent agency would be charged with coordinating federal policy on privacy, process complaints from consumers and launch investigations and audits. 

Emerging Tech

CBP Expands Facial Recognition Program to Another Southern Border Crossing

Travelers passing through the Progreso port of entry on foot will see a new crossing protocol.

Cybersecurity

CISA Director Makes Case for Subpoena Power over Internet Service Providers

A key lawmaker pointed to concerns over privacy if the agency could request who’s behind internet addresses.

Ideas

Encryption and a New Paradigm for Security’s Data-Centric Future

ITAR’s new encryption carve-out paves the way for secure and private collaboration.

Digital Government

Despite public concerns, facial recognition gets traction in Congress

While some legislators questioned the accuracy and bias found in some government systems, both Republicans and Democrats endorsed the broad thrust and goals of DHS' screening programs.

Cybersecurity

IC merging suitability and clearance reviews

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence says the move will strengthen human resources officers' role in hiring for nation's most sensitive positions.

Policy

Bill Would Reform NSA Surveillance Program

Bipartisan legislation could curtail long-running National Security Agency data collection efforts.

Cybersecurity

Weakening Encryption Could Impact Election Security, Coalition Says

An election security group said the Justice Department’s renewed calls for access to encrypted data could impact more than privacy.