People

Veteran takes it to VA -- from the inside

The Veterans Affairs Department has hired veteran and blogger Alex Horton -- one of its most vocal critics -- to critique the agency from the inside.

Cybersecurity

Disaster response agencies need to go mobile, FEMA administrator says

The administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said disaster response agencies should take advantage of the widespread use of mobile phones to improve their disaster communications with the public.

People

How online games could make government more accessible

Some communications experts say that Web-based games could help more people get a better grasp on the workings of government.

People

House panel probes White House staff's storing of mobile device messages

A senior White House official testified on systems in place for automatically capturing all e-mail messages at the office, but a lawmaker suggested some staffers may be bypassing that system by using personal mobile devices.

People

News of bin Laden's death a landmark social networking event

Media reports show how networking technology, which bin Laden conspicuously avoided, shaped coverage of the event.

People

OPM tests tech for more collaborative workforce

OPM has started several collaborative technologies to create a more open workplace culture, according to OPM Director John Berry.

Digital Government

White House official to testify about preserving Facebook, Twitter records

Rep. Darrell Issa intends to probe the transparency of the White House's social media records at a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Digital Government

Social media policies: strict, loose or in-between?

Some agencies block all social media, others block none. Some curtail streaming sites, others just ask employees to be responsible. Is there any chance of these policies coming into harmony?

Digital Government

A truly effective Facebook scam :(

Knowledge of human psychology helps scammers trick Facebook users, writes Steve Kelman.

Digital Government

Agencies get access to Xtranormal cartoon video-maker app

The General Services Administration has added the Xtranormal video-maker to Apps.gov list as the latest available application to federal Web managers.

Digital Government

State to start social network for employees only

The State Department's e-Diplomacy office is testing its new Corridor social network for department employees, according to several online reports.

Digital Government

Obama to appear in live video feed from Facebook headquarters

President Barack Obama goes to the headquarters of Facebook in Palo Alto, Calif., today to appear in a live video session about the budget deficit.

Modernization

Law library's plan emphasizes digital, social media

The Law Library of Congress' strategic plan highlights using digital media, the Web and social media.

People

Agencies update progress on transparency plans

Federal agencies are publishing charts, graphics and progress reports on their open government efforts.

Digital Government

Social networking comes to DISA's collaboration site

The Defense Information Systems Agency's new Forge.mil Community tool will help users collaborate on broader issues beyond single projects.

People

House member says he can save feds' transparency websites

Rep. Darrell Issa, an advocate for open government, has pledged to prevent fed transparency sites from being shut down despite budget tightening.

Digital Government

Smithsonian CTO shares tips on using new media tools

The Smithsonian Institution's CTO shares tips on how federal knowledge workers can adapt and learn from new technologies.

People

Energy's mission for cutting-edge communications

The Energy Department's Cammie Croft talks about the challenges of being a social media advocate in the federal government and the importance of staying on the front lines of new technology.

Cybersecurity

Terror alert system will use Facebook, Twitter

The Homeland Security Department is planning to scrap its color-coded terror alert system for a new system that relies on Facebook and Twitter in some cases, according to the Associated Press.