Exclusive Digital Government

White House stalls on digital identity mandate, despite billions in fraud

President Biden previewed an executive order in his 2022 State of the Union meant to address identity theft and fraud in public benefit programs. As Biden gears up for his 2024 address, the order still hasn’t been released.

Policy

Biden admin to seek surveillance court blessing to renew Section 702 program through next year

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court will receive the White House filing next month.

Cybersecurity

Biden executive order aims to stop adversaries from obtaining, exploiting Americans’ personal data

Data brokers under the order are barred from selling bulk caches of sensitive Americans’ data to multiple foreign countries, including China and Russia.

Cybersecurity

White House urges software developers to use memory-safe programming languages

A number of headline-making cyberattacks started with memory safety flaws, a White House cyber official said.

Cybersecurity

National Cyber Strategy needs better implementation measures, GAO argues

The White House Office of the National Cyber Director can improve on performance measures and cost estimations, the U.S. federal oversight agency said in a Thursday analysis.

Cybersecurity

Biden to veto any efforts to shutter SEC cyber disclosure rules

The SEC argues the disclosure rule forces firms to be more transparent with investors. Opponents say it may compromise sensitive business data and publicize vulnerabilities.

People

Coker confirmed as cyber director

On a bipartisan vote, the Senate confirmed Harry Coker to lead the Office of the National Cyber Director at the White House.

People

White House announces new acting cyber director, as nominee awaits Senate vote

Drenan Dudley, the deputy national cyber director for strategy and budget, will helm the ONCD until the Senate confirms a permanent leader.

People

Biden’s cyber director nominee clears Senate committee

As Biden’s pick for national cyber director — Harry Coker — makes his way through the Senate, the current acting director nears her last day.

Ideas

Getting better deals for the government

COMMENTARY | Steve Kelman explains that common sense has often had a tough time getting accepted in debates about procurement policy.

Digital Government

White House spectrum strategy leans into sharing, tech standards

The Biden administration is targeting 2,786 MHz of spectrum to study for possible sharing or reallocation to commercial users.

Acquisition

Biden wants better deals from contractors

A new administration push is underway to leverage procurement data and purchasing power to generate savings.

Cybersecurity

How the US aims to tackle the ‘collective action problem’ of ransomware

New efforts in the International Counter Ransomware Initiative intend to leverage automated systems to halt illicit financial transactions, according to a White House cyber official.

People

Cyber Director nominee talks AI, collaboration at confirmation hearing

Harry Coker, the Biden Administration's choice to lead the Office of the National Cyber Director, said he'll draw on his experience as a program manager to make sure agencies hit their milestones on implementing the government's cyber strategy.

Artificial Intelligence

Commerce launches new safe AI center

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is slated to helm many of the new AI executive order’s guidance documents for safe and responsible development.

Artificial Intelligence

On the heels of Biden's executive order, agencies get White House directive on implementing AI

Agencies will be on the hook for tapping chief AI officers, adding risk management practices to AI like independent evaluations and more.

Artificial Intelligence

Biden signs AI order but stresses need for legislation

The long-anticipated executive order on artificial intelligence is broad, detailed and expansive, but the White House wants Congress to do more.

Artificial Intelligence

Sweeping White House AI order includes mandate for commercial developers

The administration is leveraging the Defense Production Act to get access to safety testing for high-risk artificial intelligence use cases.

Artificial Intelligence

Biden administration angles to ‘lead the world’ with upcoming AI policy

The White House is focused on establishing the U.S. in both AI collaboration and competition.