Digital Government

Federal CIO says IDEA Act guidance coming this summer

Clare Martorana discussed the challenge of building out specific steps to get government agency websites to adopt common standards.

IRS will test government-run free file system in 2024

The move could presage the large-scale deployment of free, government-furnished online tax prep services.

Labor Department tests new identity options for accessing unemployment benefits

The Labor Department plans to cover initial costs for digital and in-person identity proofing offerings for states to use in the unemployment system.

NARA has a plan to tackle its backlog, and its inspector general has thoughts

The inspector general of the National Archives and Records Administration wants the agency to consider not making veterans submit requests for records at all.

OMB preps guidance on AI in government

The White House hosted top tech CEOs on Thursday, and announced new measures meant to address AI—including coming draft guidance around the use of AI in government agencies.

Spamming democracy

The threat and promise of generative AI in the regulatory process.

The White House has questions about AI surveillance in the workplace

The request for information is the latest in the administration's work on AI. Last week, four enforcement agencies released a joint letter pledging to enforce anti-discrimination laws in the AI arena.

OPM tests chatbot for retirement services

The retirement services chatbot is designed to answer easy questions to free up call center resources for more complex inquiries.

President’s AI advisory committee says the government needs clearer leadership on the technology

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during a Tuesday meeting with the advisory committee that the government needs “to come up with some ways to do no harm [in AI] in the immediate – like this week, next month, three months, six months.”

NIST sets sights on implementing identity provisions from the CHIPS Act

According to a recent roadmap, NIST is looking to issue guidance on how federal, state and local governments can offer attribute validation services.

GSA unveils new USA.gov websites

The new versions of USA.gov and USA.Gov en Español come after beta testing by the agency to make the sites more user-friendly.

USDA aims to build in-house tech talent, CX expertise with new digital services team

The department's own digital services team will be modeled after other “tour-of-duty” style models in government like the USDS. 

Some states may be barring the door to unemployment benefits

Despite Labor Department guidelines, nine states are requiring UI applicants to verify their identity before submitting applications.

National Park Service considers a digital park pass

Making a digital option for the American the Beautiful pass series that would live on mobile phone wallets is a goal shared by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine), who introduced a bill that would require digital passes in February.

IRS outlines tech modernization, CX plans as part of $80 billion overhaul

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters on Thursday that technology will be key to achieving the agency’s intentions to transform customer service at the agency and shrink the tax gap.

Labor Dept. watchdog urges 'extreme caution' on facial recognition

Since the start of the pandemic and an upswing in fraudulent claims in the jobless aid systems, the use of facial recognition in identity checks has spread across states, raising OIG concerns about access and privacy.