Digital Government

FCC Hikes Phone Fees to Give Students Faster Internet

Democrats say the plan will give millions of students a better education, but Republicans worry about a rising phone "tax."

Digital Government

Three Years After SOPA Crashed and Burned, Congress Seeks Copyright Update

The backlash over the Stop Online Piracy Act still has lawmakers skittish.

Digital Government

Internet Sales Tax Bill Quashed For Now

Speaker Boehner promised to revive the issue next year, which would enrage conservatives.

Modernization

Feds Accuse Sony of Overhyping PlayStation Features

If you bought a PlayStation Vita, you could soon be getting a refund thanks to a federal settlement.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Seeking NSA Reform Could Use the Patriot Act as Leverage

Stinging from defeat, some privacy advocates want to let parts of the Patriot Act sunset next year. But not everyone is ready to take the plunge.

Digital Government

Obama's Net-Neutrality Plan Could Mean New Internet Fees

The president wants to treat the Internet like a utility, which could trigger new government tolls.

Digital Government

Lawmaker Says NSA Should End Phone Spying On Its Own

Senate Republicans blocked a bill to restrict domestic surveillance. But Rep. Adam Schiff says the administration should act anyway.

Modernization

The FCC Plans to Increase Your Phone Bill to Build Better Internet in Schools

Federal regulators want to spend an extra $1.5 billion every year to boost Internet speeds. But consumers will have to pay for it.

Digital Government

The Broadband Industry’s Plan for Killing Obama's Net Neutrality Plan

The companies may have lost the administration, but there are two more branches of government to turn to.

Digital Government

Obama Urges ‘Strongest Possible’ Net Neutrality Rules From FCC

The president's statement is a massive blow to Comcast and other Internet providers who fear they will be regulated like utilities.

Digital Government

Senate Republicans Want to Rewrite Communications Act. So What Happens to Net Neutrality?

A GOP plan to overhaul a communications law could get bogged down in a partisan battle.

Digital Government

What the GOP Takeover of the Senate Means for Tech

if Republicans want to win a presidential election, they'll have to show they can develop real technology policies.

Modernization

The FBI's Secret House Meeting to Get Access to Your iPhone

The administration argues that encryption is making it difficult for police to catch dangerous criminals.

Cybersecurity

NSA Chief Warns Companies Against Revenge Hacking

"Hacking back" may be illegal, Michael Rogers said. But his advice doesn't apply to the agency he heads.

Modernization

Why Your Smartphone Won't Be Faster Anytime Soon

Thanks to a lawsuit from TV stations, the FCC is delaying an airwave auction until 2016.

Digital Government

A Snowden Journalist Is Going to Work for the Government

Ashkan Soltani will be the new chief technologist for the FTC.

Modernization

FCC Wants to Upgrade Your Phone to 5G

The agency is looking into the next generation of wireless technology, which could make phones a thousand times faster.

Digital Government

Lawmakers Skeptical of FBI’s Push for Encryption Back Doors

The bureau’s director is arguing that legislation is needed to catch criminals who are using new technologies, but some in Congress disagree.

Digital Government

The FBI Wants Internet Wiretapping Powers

Despite privacy fears following the Snowden leaks, the FBI director says new spying powers are necessary to catch criminals.