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Category Archives: Data Governance

DOGE Has ‘God Mode’ Access to Government Data

The Atlantic [unpaywalled]: “The president’s special commission now has an unprecedented ability to view and manipulate information at many federal agencies. The employee’s account, along with the accounts of several others across federal agencies, offers the clearest portrait yet of just how deep DOGE has burrowed into the systems of the federal government—and the sensitive information of countless Americans. In the coming weeks, the team is expected to enter IT systems at the CDC and Federal Aviation Administration, and it already has done so at NASA, according to sources we’ve spoken with at each of those agencies. At least one DOGE ally appears to be working to open back doors into systems used throughout the federal government. Thomas Shedd, a former Tesla engineer who was recently appointed director of the Technology Transformation Services, requested privileged access to 19 different IT systems administered by teams within TTS, according to two federal workers we spoke with who are familiar with his request. With this level of control, Shedd would be able to not only view and modify federal data, but also grant and revoke access to other people. (In a written statement, Will Powell, the acting press secretary for the General Services Administration, of which TTS is a part, said Shedd needs this level of access to rapidly identify “areas for optimization and efficiencies” and insisted that he is working with “appropriate GSA officials” to follow established protocols.)”

Personal Discretion Over the Treasury’s Payments System Means the End of Democracy

Liberal Currents – Elizabeth Popp Berman: “On Friday night [January 31, 2025], Elon Musk’s team gained access to the Department of Treasury’s payments system, which processes the federal spending that makes up more than a fifth of the U.S. economy. Social Security, Medicare, agricultural supports, the National Parks—a large majority of government spending flows through… Continue Reading

Survey of Americans’ Online Security Top Concerns & Problematic Habits

US News – Data Privacy Paradox: “Americans are increasingly aware of the dangers lurking online and worry about the risks of data breaches, cyber attacks, ransomware, and more. The fears are well-founded. Already in the first months of 2024, a rash of data breaches has exposed potentially sensitive information of millions of people. One report… Continue Reading

Artificial intelligence experts discuss legal implications on ABA Presidential Speaker Series

“A panel of experts on artificial intelligence and how it will affect the legal landscape are featured in the next installment of the ABA Presidential Speaker Series. The program, titled “A.I. – The New Frontier,” will feature a panel of special advisers to the ABA Task Force on the Law and Artificial Intelligence. The program… Continue Reading

AI in Banking and Finance, October 31, 2023

Via LLRX – AI in Banking and Finance, October 31, 2023 – This semi-monthly column by Sabrina I. Pacifici highlights news, government reports and documents, industry white papers, academic papers and speeches on the subject of AI’s fast paced impact on the banking and finance sectors. The chronological links provided are to the primary sources, and… Continue Reading

Prioritizing People and Planet as the Metrics for Responsible AI

IEEE Standards Association – Prioritizing People and Planet as the Metrics for Responsible AI. Ethically Aligned Design for Business. “You may be aware of the term responsible artificial intelligence (AI). Perhaps you are already using a methodology for your AI design based on European regulations to avoid risk. Or you are working to help ensure… Continue Reading

Pete Recommends – Weekly highlights on cyber security issues, July 8, 2023

Via LLRX –  Pete Recommends – Weekly highlights on cyber security issues, July 8, 2023 – Privacy and cybersecurity issues impact every aspect of our lives – home, work, travel, education, health and medical records – to name but a few. On a weekly basis Pete Weiss highlights articles and information that focus on the… Continue Reading

How to Kickstart a Data Governance Program

Humans of Data: “Proactively recognize when you need governance, build a solid foundation, and get buy-in. This article was co-authored with Otávio Leite Bastos (Global Data Governance Lead @ Contentsquare), Nandini Tyagi (Founders’ Office @ Atlan), and Prukalpa Sankar (Co-Founder @ Atlan). As any data and analytics program evolves, it’s inevitable that data leaders will… Continue Reading

Elon Musk and the new EU rules for transparency for platforms

Tech Policy Press: “Billionaire Twitter CEO Elon Musk continues to face a wave of criticism for his capricious decisions, especially from Brussels and Berlin. Yet, the EU owes Musk a debt of gratitude, says Julian Jaursch, a project director at the not-for-profit think tank Stiftung Neue Verantwortung (SNV) in Berlin Germany. Musk is involuntarily proving… Continue Reading

Cyber Security for Law Firms: Our Top Tips

Law Technology Today: “In the digital era, cyber security is essential for law firms. Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, threatening the privacy of clients’ sensitive information and firms’ reputations. Consider data from ABA’s Cyber Security Report, which states that 25% of law firms have previously suffered a data breach. Among the many consequences of… Continue Reading

Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights

White House: “To advance President Biden’s vision, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has identified five principles that should guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems to protect the American public in the age of artificial intelligence. The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights is a guide for a… Continue Reading

Government reports on digital assets responsive to Biden’s Executive Order on crypto

Follow-up to September 16, 2022 White House Framework on Regulating Cryptocurrency, please see the following documents related to the directive re Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets: September 16, 2022 – “The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is publishing its report, Technical Evaluation for a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency System,… Continue Reading