Policy

Section 230 Debate Reignited as Cruz Demands Content Moderation Transparency

The Texas lawmaker is requesting details on social media and tech platforms’ content moderation and censorship practices.

Modernization

Top Senator Says Modernizing VA’s EHR 'Is Not Optional'

After leading GOP lawmakers introduced legislation to terminate the deployment of VA’s new electronic health record program, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.—chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee—said upgrading the system “has to be done.”

Emerging Tech

New Legislation Seeks to Upgrade Commercial Drone Rules

A bipartisan bill aims to carve a more straightforward path for commercial drone technology approval.

Digital Government

Biden’s State of the Union Highlights Semiconductor Success and Big Tech Privacy Concerns

The president applauded the CHIPS and Science Act and urged lawmakers to crack down on big tech’s data privacy and surveillance practices.

Policy

Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Curtail Foreign Adversary Telecom Influence

The legislation would require the FCC to publish a list of entities with FCC authorizations and close ties to foreign adversaries.

Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks on Energy's National Labs Draw Lawmaker Scrutiny

The attacks, allegedly conducted by Russian-based adversaries, occurred during August and September 2022, potentially exposing sensitive U.S. scientific research.

Emerging Tech

Lack of Emerging Tech Framework is 'Weakening' US Stance Against China, Lawmakers Warn

Both Democrats and Republicans said Congress needs to craft national frameworks around data privacy and autonomous vehicles to counter China’s global tech ambitions.

Artificial Intelligence

Why 2 Lawmakers Turned to AI to Advocate for Its Own Regulation

The congressmen have been using artificial intelligence systems to write Congressional texts, as they push for both regulation and innovation in the field.

Modernization

House Republicans Seek to Mandate VA's EHR Program Improve or Face Termination

Leading GOP lawmakers on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee introduced legislation to expand oversight over the VA’s new electronic health record system and, if need be, to terminate the program.

Digital Government

Republicans Announce New Congressional Cyber Subcommittee Leadership

A New York Republican is taking over a powerful House Homeland Security subcommittee tasked with overseeing efforts to improve federal network security and the nation’s cyber defense agency.

Policy

GAO Identifies Fraud Risks in FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program

The FCC “may not be able to effectively prevent and detect fraud” in its program that offers low-income households discounts on internet services and connected devices, according to a review by the Government Accountability Office.

Emerging Tech

Legislators Renew Efforts to Protect Consumers from an Eavesdropping Fridge

The reintroduced bill asks the Federal Trade Commission to establish disclosure guidelines for smart devices and appliances that consumers would not expect to be recording them.

Policy

Senator Advocates a Transparency-Based Approach to Social Media Moderation

Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., said such transparency about government moderation requests “does seem to be the best move” for promoting free speech online.

Digital Government

Former Oversight Chair: Republicans Just Want to ‘Investigate and Destroy’

Former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., decried the direction of her former committee and Republican priorities in the new Congress. 

Emerging Tech

NTIA Announces Request for Comment on Intersection of Data and Civil Rights

The head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said the agency’s inquiry “will help us analyze the outsized consequences that data practices can have on marginalized communities.”

Artificial Intelligence

AI Research Task Force Votes to Send Final Report to Congress, President

The task force’s report details a plan for the AI research resource initiative, including governance, funding, security and ethics on issues like AI bias.

Digital Government

House Oversight Committee Probes GSA Administrator’s Telework

The GOP-led committee is seeking details about Robin Carnahan's telework arrangements.

Policy

Lawmakers Propose a Federal Reserve Corps for Digital Talent

The bipartisan legislation seeks to address the government’s tech and cyber needs by enabling industry professionals to bring their skills and experience to the federal level.

Modernization

Despite Issues, VA’s EHR Deployment Remains Scheduled to Pick Up in Mid-2023

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Congress are continuing to support the rollout of the agency’s new electronic health record system, even as lawmakers remain concerned about the project’s cost and effectiveness.