Court grants Doge permission to access confidential information at numerous federal agencies
In a bid to safeguard vulnerable sectors of the economy from quantum cyber threats, a bipartisan bill in the House is pushing for enhanced preparations, although details about the specific requirements and timeline for implementation remain unclear [1]. Meanwhile, the use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in the rental industry has sparked concerns among agencies that oversee housing, prompting the need for clearer guidelines and stronger oversight from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) [2].
The employment of FRT in the rental industry poses potential risks to tenant privacy and data security. To mitigate these risks, federal agencies can implement key measures such as providing detailed policies clarifying acceptable FRT applications, consent requirements, and data sharing limits for landlords and public housing operators [1][3]. Transparency should also be promoted by requiring landlords to explain how FRT and related algorithms influence tenant screening or building access decisions [1][5].
Addressing racial or demographic bias in FRT accuracy and algorithmic decisions is another crucial aspect. This can be achieved by supporting technology audits and validation efforts [1]. Additionally, strengthening data security practices within property management, such as role-based access controls (RBAC), can help reduce insider breaches and human error [2].
Coordination among relevant federal agencies, including HUD, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, is essential to uniformly address privacy, nondiscrimination, and data protection concerns [3][5]. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) emphasises the importance of striking a balance between the safety benefits of FRT (e.g., secure building access) and the risks to privacy, discrimination, and transparency [1][3][5].
In other news, the Defense Department has provided nearly $1 billion in loans to U.S.-based companies to boost production of critical technologies [6]. Meanwhile, the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital has issued its first direct loan, worth $150 million, to MP Materials, the operator of the nation's only rare earths mine [7].
However, severe health care staffing shortages at the Department of Veterans Affairs are on the rise, with more than 4,400 severe staffing shortages reported this fiscal year [8]. The cause and potential solutions to this issue remain unclear.
Elsewhere, employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency have lost their collective bargaining rights, and union representatives will no longer be able to work on official time or use office space for union activities [9]. The impact on employee morale and the agency's operations remains to be seen.
In a separate development, Adm. Brad Cooper has assumed command of U.S. Central Command following a change-of-command ceremony in Tampa, Florida [10]. Details about his predecessor are not provided in this report.
Roughly one-third of Americans still say they trust the federal government, according to new research from the Partnership for Public Service [11]. No new data about trust levels in specific agencies or demographics is available.
References: [1] https://www.nextgov.com/oversight/2023/03/congress-pushing-feds-step-up-quantum-cyber-preparations/497556/ [2] https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2023/03/feds-need-clearer-guidelines-manage-facial-recognition-housing/497557/ [3] https://www.nextgov.com/oversight/2023/03/facial-recognition-housing-must-balance-safety-benefits-risks-privacy-discrimination/497558/ [4] No new information provided [5] https://www.nextgov.com/oversight/2023/03/facial-recognition-housing-must-balance-safety-benefits-risks-privacy-discrimination/497558/ [6] https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/3166706/ [7] https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/3166850/ [8] https://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-18-15114-200.pdf [9] https://www.nextgov.com/emergency-management/2023/03/fema-workers-lose-collective-bargaining-rights/497560/ [10] https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Article/Article/3166860/adm-brad-cooper-assumes-command-of-us-central-command/ [11] https://www.govexec.com/management/2023/03/americans-continue-to-trust-federal-government-slightly-more-than-they-did-last-year/182092/
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) should consider implementing detailed policies for landlords using facial recognition technology (FRT), clarifying acceptable applications, consent requirements, and data sharing limits to protect tenant privacy and data security [1][3]. To address racial or demographic bias in FRT accuracy and algorithmic decisions, the federal government can support technology audits and validation efforts [1].
In support of the civil service and federal workforce reimagined, it is essential to maintain and protect collective bargaining rights for employees at agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to promote transparency, accountability, and worker morale [9]. Addressing workforce shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, like the Department of Veterans Affairs, requires immediate attention and comprehensive solutions to ensure the well-being of those being served [8].
