Tech

Report critical of administration’s info-sharing efforts

Policies need to be established to ensure officials feel that they can safely share information without negative repercussions on their careers, report says.

Tech

Senate panel sets deadline for NSA database deal

Effort comes at a time when the legality of the agency’s surveillance activities is under close scrutiny.

Tech

VA data theft could provide push for info protection bill

Senate Democrat says measure could help veterans better protect their stolen personal information.

Defense

Wiretapping battle continues in Congress, courts

Senate panel plans later this week to debate and approve a compromise version of legislation to create an oversight process.

Tech

State department reverses itself on use of Chinese computers

The 16,000 Chinese-made computers, bought for $13 million for use on classified networks, will now be designated for unclassified work.

News

Critics of IRS tax-return proposal urge changes

Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would ban the sale of tax information.

Defense

Travel group seeks details on airline screening

Group looks for more information on unspoken TSA policy allowing people into secure areas of airports without government-issued IDs.

Defense

Informal survey shows lax ID checks for air travelers

TSA confirms that passengers are allowed to pass through security without an ID if they submit to a secondary screening procedure.

Defense

Homeland Security chief proposes screening of customer data

Suggestion could be viewed as “anti-privacy,” Michael Chertoff acknowledges.

News

Federal judge hints at BlackBerry ban, urges deal

Judge says that if he issues an injunction, he’ll make sure government users aren’t subject to the ban.

News

Government wants court hearing on BlackBerry usage

Justice Department seeks a hearing on the technical details of exempting government users from a possible blackout.

Management

Bush makes new push for Patent Office to keep fees

Agency's proposed budget includes incentives to retain "highly qualified and productive workforce."

Defense

Lawmakers seek details on administration's spying

Key senator asks why Bush failed to offer all members of the House and Senate Intelligence committees a briefing on the warrantless eavesdropping program.

Defense

Attorney General addresses critics of warrantless wiretaps

Alberto Gonzales says 1978 foreign intelligence surveillance law not intended as last word.

Tech

Supreme Court won’t intervene in BlackBerry dispute

Maker of popular communications device argues that a shutdown would impair the government’s use.

News

FBI chief firm in defending anti-terrorism law

Robert Mueller says Patriot Act is critical to preventing of future attacks.

Defense

New documents may influence Patriot Act debate

Papers delivered so far show that the FBI’s office of general counsel lodged complaints about agents’ use of powers.

Defense

Bush details plan for more effective information sharing

Strategy addresses department chiefs’ authorities, addresses coordination among federal, state and local governments.

News

Anti-terror law negotiators still show differences

Senate committee chair says bill fails to grant the Justice Department enough tools.

News

House panel votes to stop diversion of patent fees

Agency says plan to streamline and improve operations depends on ending practice of using fees to finance other federal operations.