Nextgov
Social Media Screening Won’t Slow Down the Visa Process, State Department Says
The department wants to screen five years of social media and email from all visa applicants but doesn’t expect longer processing time “for most visa cases.”
Nextgov
OPM Says Agencies Have One Year To ID Cyber Workforce Gaps
The Office of Personnel Management started the clock Monday for agencies to identify, report and mitigate cybersecurity workforce shortfalls.
Tech
After London, How Lasers Will Play a Role in Detecting Chemical Attacks Sooner
A new technique can detect trace elements of dangerous chemicals in extremely small doses, a breakthrough of relevance to the horror show playing out in Salisbury, U.K.
Tech
Regulating Facebook Won’t Prevent Data Breaches
The Cambridge Analytica scandal wasn't a data breach – it was a violation of academic ethics. Maybe it's universities, not social networks, that need to update their privacy settings.
Tech
Why Is NASA's Space Telescope Running a Year Behind?
The James Webb will launch in 2020 instead of next year—and it will probably need more money from Congress to do it.
Oversight
Congress Ignores Trump's Priorities for Science Funding
Nearly every science agency stands to get more money under a spending bill that avoids proposed cuts from the White House.
Nextgov
Defense R&D Gets a Huge Boost Under the 2018 Omnibus
But it’s not the only agency with more to spend on research.
Tech
Pentagon’s New Arms-Research Chief Eyes Space-Based Ray Guns
Neutral-particle beams, a concept first tried in the 1980s, may get a fresh look under Michael Griffin.
Nextgov
Congress Tells Pentagon to Justify Its Single Cloud Plan
The omnibus spending package directs the Pentagon to outline its cloud strategy and share reports, costs and other details related to its JEDI procurement.
Nextgov
Spending Bill Boosts Election Security, Clarifies Overseas Data Warrants
The bill also requires supply chain reviews for cyber risk at some agencies.
Nextgov
Congress Passes Anti-Sex Trafficking Bill That Could Change the Web
The bill opens up who can sue websites for their users’ content.
Nextgov
Here’s What Agencies Could Spend on IT Modernization Per 2018 Omnibus
The $2.26 billion—which includes some maintenance—gives an idea of the scale at which modernization will take place across government.
Nextgov
House Lawmakers Introduce Hack the State Department Bug Bounty Bill
The bill would offer cash rewards for vulnerabilities hackers discover in State Department websites.
Nextgov
5 Big Takeaways From Senate Intel's Election Security Investigation
The bottom line is future elections are in danger of Russian meddling and we haven’t done enough to secure them.
Tech
The U.S. Military Is Making Lasers Create Voices out of Thin Air
Within three years, the Pentagon's non-lethal weapons lab hopes to have a direct energy weapon that can produce an effect like a haunted walkie-talkie or the biblical burning bush.
Nextgov
AT&T Won Secret $3.3 Billion NSA Contract Despite More Expensive Bid
Legal documents shed light on one of NSA's most important tech contracts.
Nextgov
How Much Does Artificial Intelligence Threaten National Security?
One lawmaker proposed a commission to examine the emerging tech through a national security lens.
Nextgov
FBI Issues Timeline for Secretive IT Support Contract
The bureau rolled out key dates—but not other details—for its next-generation IT contract.
Nextgov
How Mapping And Data Could Make The Census Cheaper
The tool can help the bureau tailor outreach efforts and find potential employees.
Nextgov