Modernization

Senators take another crack at solving over-classification

The bipartisan Classification Reform for Transparency Act would establish a new task force to narrow the criteria for classifying documents and make it harder for agencies to exempt records from automatic declassification.

Exclusive Cybersecurity

Flaws in public records management tool could let hackers nab sensitive data linked to requests

The GovQA platform, created by IT company Granicus, contained vulnerabilities that could have let cybercriminals retrieve tranches of sensitive files tied to public records requests, a security researcher revealed to Nextgov/FCW.

Digital Government

National Archives tees up new rules for UFO records

New legislation mandates a governmentwide repository of records dealing with "unidentified anomalous phenomena."

Ideas

The government’s FOIA policy changes are adding to work levels and requests — but e-Discovery can help

Federal agencies received a record-high number of requests in fiscal year 2022, and FOIA backlogs are growing.

Digital Government

Records agency to DHS: Look into your watchdog’s use of text messages 

This comes after a hearing two weeks ago that raised concerns among some lawmakers about how the IG uses and retains records of electronic messages. 

Defense

DOD aims to leverage AI and automation in records management

The Defense Department wants to harness the powers of emerging technology to reduce user burden and enhance enterprisewide records management processes, according to a plan the agency released this week.

People

Senate confirms Biden's pick to lead NARA

Colleen Shogan will now lead the National Archives and Records Administration.

Ideas

Policing the wild frontiers of digital communications

Federal agencies need the right policies and the right tech to preserve employee texts, chats and instant messages.

Digital Government

Public Trust in Government is Low. A Congressman Wants to Fix That With More White House Transparency. 

Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., reintroduced bills regarding visitor logs and preservation of presidential records. 

Cybersecurity

Experts Question Value of Federal Cybersecurity Data Capture Mandate

The packet capture, or PCAP, requirement’s short timeframe and potentially massive data loads caused one expert to doubt whether it would be useful after a real cybersecurity incident.

Digital Government

The National Intelligence Director: Over-Classification Undermines Democracy

The ongoing investigations into handling of sensitive documents by former presidents and vice presidents have brought potential problems with the classification system back into the spotlight. 

Digital Government

New Records Rules Require Agencies to Save Chats and Texts

Previous records retention rules only explicitly applied to email communications. Now that has expanded to all pertinent electronic messages.

Breaking News Cybersecurity

NARA to Publish First Update to Cybersecurity Records Rules Since 2014

The agency is issuing an update to the General Records Schedule, including new rules for packet capture and cybersecurity incident logs.

Digital Government

NARA’s Chief Innovator Won Big Last Week

Pamela Wright’s “exceptional executive leadership is invaluable to NARA, our strategic goals, and our mission,” said the acting archivist of the United States.

Modernization

Maloney Introduces Presidential Records Reform Bill

Outgoing House Oversight and Reform Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) has a new bill meant to beef up compliance with White House records requirements.

Policy

Maloney introduces presidential records reform bill

Outgoing House Oversight and Reform Committee Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) has a new bill meant to beef up compliance with White House records requirements.

Digital Government

OMB to extend digital records deadlines by 18 months

Federal Chief Records Officer Laurence Brewer said an 18-month extension was being finalized to shift the completion of the governmentwide transition to electronic records to June 2024.

Modernization

Paper-Based Government Forms Cost Federal Agencies $37.8B

A report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce underscored the environmental and consumer need for a digital government services modernization.