Artificial Intelligence
DARPA Wants AI to Learn Language like Human Babies
The Pentagon’s research wing is funding efforts to build AI language systems that learn more like people and less like machines.
Digital Government
DEA Never Checked If Its Massive Surveillance Operations Are Legal, Watchdog Says
The administration “failed to conduct a comprehensive legal analysis” of three NSA-style bulk data collection programs, according to the Justice Department Inspector General.
Artificial Intelligence
The Pentagon is ‘Absolutely Unapologetic’ About Pursuing AI-Powered Weapons
The controversy surrounding military artificial intelligence is rooted in “grave misperceptions” about what the department is actually trying to do, according to current and former Defense officials.
Digital Government
Empowering Regulators Could Stop the Next Equifax Breach, Watchdog Says
Giving the regulatory agencies more power to punish companies after breaches could make industry invest more in cybersecurity, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Modernization
Management, Not Money, Will Make or Break VA Modernization, Lawmakers Say
“We are no longer on the cusp of transformation, we are in the middle of it,” Secretary Robert Wilkie told senators.
Digital Government
OMB is Dropping the Ball on DATA Act Management, Watchdog Says
The office lacks a formal process for revising data standards, and it doesn’t clearly tell agencies when changes are made, the Government Accountability Office found.
Digital Government
White House to Nominate Michael Kratsios as U.S. CTO
Kratsios, who currently serves as the country’s deputy chief technology officer, will be the first person to hold the title since the Obama administration.
Digital Government
VA Botched GI Benefits Modernization Because Nobody Was in Charge, Watchdog Says
The project, which started in August 2017, didn’t have a designated leader until November 2018, the VA inspector general found.
Artificial Intelligence
NSF Director Approaching Uncertain Tech Landscape with Confidence
France Córdova sat down with Nextgov to discuss the national AI strategy, the federal research ecosystem and the “very exciting” future of quantum computing.
Digital Government
Inside GAO’s Plan to Make Congress More Tech-Savvy
The new Science and Technology Assessment and Analytics group aims to prep lawmakers for big decisions on artificial intelligence, privacy and 5G.
Cybersecurity
Cyber Threats Are Emerging Faster Than DHS Can Address Them, Secretary Says
The agency needs industry to help it “innovate while under attack,” according to Kirstjen Nielsen.
Emerging Tech
Trump's 2020 Budget Would Cut Non-Defense R&D by $10 Billion
The request comes as the administration urges agencies to double down on research in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Cybersecurity
White House Requests More Than $17.4 Billion for Federal Cyber Efforts
Under the president’s 2020 budget proposal, the Pentagon’s cyber coffers would grow while funds for some civilian agencies dry up.
Policy
Lawmakers Want to Protect Security Clearances from Politics
A bill introduced in the Senate would prevent federal leaders from revoking clearances as “retaliation for political activities.”
Emerging Tech
Silicon Valley Mayor to Feds: ‘Get Out of the Way’ of Innovation
The federal government could do more to promote innovation at the state and local levels by doing less, according to San Jose’s mayor.
Cybersecurity
2018 Midterm Elections Were ‘the Most Secure’ in U.S. History, DHS Cyber Chief Says
Government cybersecurity is also improving, CISA Director Chris Krebs said, but legacy IT is holding agencies back.
Artificial Intelligence
Upgrading IT Could Address Tech Hiring Challenges, Bring About AI, Experts Say
Sluggish tech makes the government a less attractive place to work for talented IT specialists, experts said at SXSW.
Cybersecurity
CISA Cyber Chief Warns Political Candidates 'Everybody's a Potential Target'
There’s no telling what races online adversaries might try to sway, says Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Jeanette Manfra.
Modernization
House Veterans Affairs is Having Trouble Hiring Tech Experts
The group’s struggle reflects the growing shortage of tech talent on Capitol Hill.
Emerging Tech
The Army Will Need Traditional Vendors’ Help Putting Startup Tech to Use
The Army is all in on innovative startups, but it will likely rely on tried and true contractors to get the tech over the finish line, Lt. Gen. Eric Wesley told SXSW.
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