Defense

Lawmakers raise concerns over Chinese-made LiDAR tech

Members of a House panel focused on China's growing global influence voiced concern over U.S. technology being used in adversaries’ LiDAR systems and the possibility that China-made LiDAR products are embedded in critical U.S. applications.

Artificial Intelligence

AI’s military use is limited by maturity concerns, CENTCOM official says

A U.S. Central Command official noted that “performance is still quite up and down” with AI, even as officials continue to experiment with the emerging technologies.

Cybersecurity

Navy’s first cyber strategy looks beyond cybersecurity to digital operations

The military branch must “fully account for new realities presented by cyberspace and the information environment,” the inaugural strategy asserts.

People

Longtime Silicon Valley representative announces retirement

During her more than 30 years in Congress, Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., has been a fierce advocate for net neutrality and a supporter of data privacy legislation that would protect consumers’ personal information.

Artificial Intelligence

AI can help predict nuclear threats, but also develop others faster, State report warns

A report from a State Department advisory board on AI’s impact on arms control, nonproliferation and verification warned that the tech “is likely to lower barriers to biological and chemical weapons development.”

Defense

DOD strategy warns emerging tech is ‘at the forefront’ of information threats

The Pentagon’s updated strategy for operations in the information environment calls for “a cultural shift” to protect national security interests.

Emerging Tech

China-owned autonomous vehicle firms are collecting data during US tests — and lawmakers are concerned

Members of two House panels raised concerns about Chinese firms testing self-driving cars in the U.S., citing the nation’s lack of a federal data privacy law and the companies’ ties with Beijing.

Artificial Intelligence

Pentagon releases responsible AI toolkit

Released by Defense Department’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, the toolkit is meant to help the department ethically incorporate emerging tech across its mission.

Defense

DOD launches platform to educate workforce on AI basics

The new program will provide DOD’s civilian and military personnel with access to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology service that consists of “bite-sized learning assets” on AI tools and other technologies.

Modernization

There’s a ‘big disconnect’ between users and developers of VA’s new EHR, lawmaker says

A 2023 survey of VA employees using the Oracle Cerner electronic health record system found that just 26% did not have issues with system availability.

People

VA's tech training program will soon expire — lawmakers hope to save it by year's end

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair Jon Tester, D-Mont., said he is working with lawmakers to reauthorize VA’s VET-TEC pilot before the end of the year.

Artificial Intelligence

Pentagon initiative shows AI helps leaders decide in a ‘data-driven way,’ official says

The deputy chief of the Pentagon’s AI office said the adoption of new tools and technologies is helping the department’s combatant commanders “access information and make better decisions.”

Emerging Tech

House proposal prohibits agencies’ use of blockchain tech tied to China

The bipartisan bill would limit the government’s ability to acquire or enter into contracts with firms that use “covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services.”

Cybersecurity

AI can help agencies enhance their cyber defense, study finds

General Dynamics Information Technology’s recent survey of 200 federal officials involved in cyber decisions found that AI tools could help address human-caused vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity

NIST releases revised cyber requirements for controlled unclassified information

The proposed revisions will ideally serve as a “balanced, strong starting point” for agencies and contractors that deal with sensitive information, a NIST official said.

Cybersecurity

Defense firms can take steps now to comply with enhanced cyber standards, industry officials say

The next version of the Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is expected to be released later this month and will “set the bar higher” for security requirements.

People

Service member influencers are helping DOD recruit, Pentagon official says

Social media posts shared by “genuine service members on their own” are helping the Pentagon recruit more young Americans into the U.S. military, according to the deputy secretary of defense.

Defense

AI can serve as ‘digital concierge’ for Pentagon personnel, DISA officials say

The acquisition of AI technologies and large language models across DOD will bolster the department’s cyber operations and analytical capabilities, officials with the Defense Information Systems Agency said.

Defense

DOD’s new AI and data strategy aims to scale adoption of new technologies

The Pentagon’s new data, analytics and artificial intelligence adoption strategy establishes a “hierarchy of needs” to help the department utilize emerging technologies.

Digital Government

Election security threats require more federal resources, officials say

Facing growing cyber and physical threats, election administrators told lawmakers that more federal assistance is needed to safeguard voting systems and personnel.