Digital Government

Republican lawmakers ask Trump to kill IRS Direct File

The new program intended to enable free, online tax filing directly with the government has garnered controversy and praise since its inception.

Digital Government

Cutting red tape is key to financial inclusion, Treasury says

A new Department of Treasury strategy calls on those delivering government programs to make them easier to access.

Cybersecurity

Biden admin issues restrictions on US investments into sensitive tech tied to China

The rule takes effect Jan. 2 and focuses on emerging technologies that may galvanize Chinese military advancements.

Artificial Intelligence

AI tools helped Treasury recover billions in fraud and improper payments

Risk screening, check fraud detection and more have helped the government recover more than $4 billion, Treasury announced.

Cybersecurity

US levies more sanctions on members of global spyware vendor nexus

The measures add to ongoing sanctions intended to curb the deployment of abusive spyware technologies, often financed by private entities.

Digital Government

States get streamlined access to Treasury’s Do Not Pay system for unemployment

The move comes as federal agencies have worked with states to combat the rise in jobless aid fraud following the pandemic.

Cybersecurity

Some banks moving too slow to address AI-powered cyberthreats, Treasury says

The agency’s findings will be distributed to Capitol Hill with the hope of drumming up legislation or other initiatives to study the risks.

Cybersecurity

US accuses Chinese hackers of 14-year campaign targeting government officials

The coordinated charges include sanctions on Chinese government-affiliated hackers and an up to $10 million reward for information about the defendants.

Policy

US sanctions Kremlin-backed firms for operating network of fake news sites

The disinformation campaign was deployed in Fall 2022, and shows how Russia’s private sector easily works with the government on disinformation operations.

Artificial Intelligence

Using AI to fight fraud is paying off, Treasury says

The tech has helped recover over $375 million since Treasury began using it over a year ago.

Cybersecurity

Treasury sanctions Iranian cyber officials tied to 2023 water system hacks

The hackers targeted a batch of Israeli-made programmable logic controllers used in water treatment plants around the U.S.

Digital Government

$212B in suspicious activity reports to FinCENin 2021 concerned identity, officials report

Industry experts tied improved federal identity efforts to better security in financial and other private sector industries.

Cybersecurity

Biden orders greater restrictions on emerging technology transactions with China 

The new executive order updating the sanctions regime between U.S. citizens and China is a “national security action,” according to an administration official.

Emerging Tech

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Tackle Criminal and Terrorist Crypto Activities

The companion House and Senate bills will create an independent working group to address terrorism and illicit financing on digital platforms.

Modernization

Treasury Seeks Automated Software Testing and Lifecycle Management Tools

The agency is looking to move away from manual testing and instead use automated testing for reusable scripts and to track tests.

Digital Government

IRS Taxpayer Advocate Says Congress Shortchanged IT Modernization Efforts

Lawmakers didn’t allocate the $80 billion provided to the IRS in the right way, claims National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins, adding that IT modernization and taxpayer services aren’t getting the money they need.

Digital Government

5 Foreign Nationals Tried to Ship U.S. Military Tech to Iran, Per Justice Indictments

The Departments of Justice and Treasury have taken coordinated actions against several foreign nationals for conspiracy to export sensitive military technology.

Digital Government

Treasury's System Tracking Federal Debt Still Needs Security Improvements, GAO Says

The watchdog found continued “information system control deficiencies,” despite Treasury’s progress on prior recommendations.