People

Chief techie: All bark and no bite?

Julius Genachowski might not have realized the turmoil his recent employment decision would cause, but in turning down President Barack Obama’s offer to make him chief technology officer, Genachowski reopened a discussion that had seemed settled.

People

Opening the info doors

Access to government information is about to get much easier, if the new president's early actions are any indication.

People

Long-distance runaround

Linda Cureton, a pathfinder among her tech-savvy peers in the federal government, recently told a gathering of aging baby boomers (like me) to get on board with social media.

People

Google, GSA hit Web 2.0 minefield

Internet users have grown accustomed to seeking videos on YouTube, but the federal government is having a tougher time getting its content there.

Cybersecurity

Administration to establish major office for cyber matters

A national cyber adviser who would report directly to the president would be chosen under the White House's 44-point agenda for homeland security.

Cybersecurity

Napolitano directs review of DHS' cybersecurity efforts

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has called for a review of the department's cybersecurity efforts as part of a wide-ranging review of DHS' programs and strategies.

Cybersecurity

In the News: Obama to keep BlackBerry

President Barack Obama will keep his BlackBerry for personal use, making him the first sitting president to use e-mail, the Associated Press reports.

People

Obama memo mentions CTO

President Barack Obama directed future chief technology officer to work with the heads of the Office and Management and Budget and the General Services Administration to develop recommendations for an open government directive.

Digital Government

Get a Life!: Where were you?

The historic nature of the Inauguration of President Barack Obama was something to talk about, regardless of where you viewed it.

Digital Government

Obama issues orders and memoranda on ethics, transparency

During his first full day on the job, President Barack Obama issued two executive orders and three memorandums today intended to make the government more transparent and ethical.

People

Inaugural speech: Obama promises to elevate role of tech

Technology will be an important aspect of creating jobs and transforming health care, the president said in his inaugural address.

Modernization

Obama gives WhiteHouse.gov an interactive spin

Today the Obama administration relaunched the White House Web site with interactive features such as a blog, e-mail updates and a feedback form.

Digital Government

Bush orders reciprocity for employment suitability decisions

President George W. Bush today ordered agencies to accept other agencies' decisions on the fitness and suitability for their jobs for some federal employees and contractors.

People

Obama CTO may lack sufficient influence

Without policy-making and budget authority, the new chief technology officer position may not be as effective as hoped, former federal executives said.

Digital Government

Court moves to preserve White House e-mail messages

A federal court today ordered the Bush administration to take more steps to preserve millions of e-mail messages that were sent during critical times for the administration.

People

White House office ordered to search for e-mail messages

As part of ongoing litigation, a federal judge today ordered the Executive Office of the President to search workstations and media for any e-mail messages sent or received between March 2003 and October 2005.

People

FCW Insider: Is Obama ready for an e-democracy crush?

Obama's social networking strategy could generate more traffic than the administration will be prepared to handle.

Digital Government

Get a Life!: Work life Obama-style

Michelle Obama has placed work/life balance high among her policy concerns as she becomes first lady. But what are the prospects for work/life benefits in this time of a growing federal deficit?

Digital Government

Agencies reduce some payment errors; but overall rate rises

Although some improper payments have been cut, the overall percentage has risen as the government measures more programs, a report by OMB says.

People

Obama CTO may lack policy authority

One CTO candidate reportedly turned down the job because it would not include the power to set policy, according to published accounts.