Digital Government
FAA presses on anti-UAS testing
The Federal Aviation Administration is advancing testing of anti-drone technology at airports, as federal authorities say rogue unmanned aircraft remain a problem even in the pandemic.
Digital Government
ATF looks to consolidate data to aid investigations
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sees an opportunity to tap data analytics to address rising gun store robberies.
Cybersecurity
FAA to test anti-drone technologies
The Federal Aviation Administration will test commercial drone detection and mitigation systems in real-world civilian airport settings.
Cybersecurity
Agencies warn on drone detection systems
State, local and private sector could run afoul of federal laws if they deploy drone detection and mitigation systems without careful thought, federal agencies say.
Cybersecurity
EARN IT Act sails through Senate Judiciary Committee
The controversial bill now heads to the Senate floor, setting up a high-stakes vote that could impact liability protections for encryption and third-party content posted online.
People
Immigration judges' union sues DOJ over public speaking policy
The National Association of Immigration Judges is suing the Department of Justice over restrictions that cover public speaking about immigration issues.
Cybersecurity
Why pay attention to indictments of foreign hackers?
While critics say "name and shame" indictments are largely toothless, a top DOJ official said they also help send an important message to victims.
Cybersecurity
Federal prison riot squads deployed to D.C.
A former union official says crisis management teams have historically been deployed for crowd control, protecting federal buildings.
Cybersecurity
Feds disrupt hundreds of COVID-19 scammer domains
The Department of Justice said some of the domains represented themselves as U.S. government agencies or public health organizations.
People
Union warns of coronavirus exposure in federal prisons, VA facilities
The American Federation of Government Employees filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration about alleged violations of safety standards.
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.
Cybersecurity
Justice indicts four Chinese hackers for 2017 Equifax breach
The charges are the latest example of U.S. law enforcement going after China for hacking American companies.
Cybersecurity
FBI still not pushing for encryption legislation
FBI Director Christopher Wray declined to say whether he would endorse legislation that would create a pathway for law enforcement to access encrypted apps and devices.
Cybersecurity
Procurement plays into U.S. counterintel strategy
Educating industry and federal procurement workers on the basics of cyber threats is part of a holistic supply chain security strategy, said the head ODNI's National Counterintelligence and Security Center.
People
At hearing, IGs look to curb reprisals against whistleblowers
The Trump impeachment and trial put whistleblowers in the public eye, but behind the headlines, officials say, agency whistleblowers are subject to reprisal.
Digital Government
FBI will notify states when election systems are breached
The internal policy change is meant to increase "visibility and transparency" around voting system intrusions during the 2020 election cycle.
Acquisition
More antitrust probes of government procurement likely, thanks to new task force
Attorneys focused on the government procurement market warned vendors that the new Procurement Collusion Strike Force faces a steep learning curve.
Modernization
NSA says it can collect metadata for encrypted comms
During a hearing to discuss reauthorization for a number of controversial spying authorities, intelligence and law enforcement officials indicated they could sweep up logistical records related to encrypted communications.
Cybersecurity
Lawmaker pushes online verification to combat disinformation
Mandatory ID checks for social media platforms could help fight propaganda, but experts worry about privacy tradeoffs.
Modernization
US, UK reach CLOUD Act agreement
The agreement will cover a "broad class" of crimes and investigations, including a promise not to target each other's residents and assurances that exchanges are compatible with data protection laws.
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