Weslan Hansen

Washington, D.C., United States

Technology Reporter at MeriTalk

Articles

Congress Moves to Block CCP-Linked AI From US Agencies

3 days ago | cdn.meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill during a congressional hearing today that would prevent Federal agencies from buying or using artificial intelligence models created by companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and other foreign adversaries.
Senate Panel Narrowly Clears Bedford for FAA Chief

3 days ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee voted today to approve the nomination of Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The nomination was approved by a 15-13 vote, and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
Congress Moves to Block CCP-Linked AI from U.S. Agencies

3 days ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill during a congressional hearing today that would prevent Federal agencies from buying or using artificial intelligence models created by companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and other foreign adversaries.
Senate Bill Targets Deepfake Scams with new AI Task Force

4 days ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

A proposed task force on artificial intelligence led by Federal agency leaders would work to eliminate deep fake-powered identity theft and fraud under new legislation introduced in the Senate. The bipartisan, bicameral Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act introduced by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, on June 18 is the Senate companion to a similar bill introduced in the House in February by Reps. Brittany Pettersen, D-Colo., and Mike Flood, R-Neb.
Judge Orders OPM to Disclose DOGE Access to Sensitive Federal Records

4 days ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) must share records about its access to IT systems at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) according to an order issued by a Federal judge on Friday.
OSTP Unveils Agency Data, AI Guidelines for ‘Gold Standard Science’

5 days ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

Automation, public data repositories, standardized metadata forms, and interoperable data-sharing platforms are some of the major pushes being made in guidance for Federal agencies looking to apply the Trump administration’s “gold standard science” objectives, according to guidance issued today by the White House Office of Science and Technology (OSTP).
Democrats Press Palantir on Alleged Data Surveillance Scheme

1 week ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

A bicameral group of Democrats is pressing Palantir on reported efforts to build a mega-database on Americans’ tax data and other information that the lawmakers warned would violate numerous Federal privacy statutes. In a June 17 letter led by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep.
NIST Seeks Input on Newly Announced Chatbot

1 week ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) wants feedback on a newly developed chatbot for its National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) to streamline the cybersecurity guidelines that it creates.
ICE Seeks AI-Powered Sweeping Surveillance Tool

1 week ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking an artificial intelligence-powered investigative analytics platform to uncover and disrupt transnational criminal networks – and monitor a million people. In a request for information (RFI) published to SAM.gov at the end of last month, ICE said it is seeking contractors to provide it with a data analytic system that can process and aggregate large volumes of information to detect criminal patterns and trends.
GAO: Army Falling Short on Modern Design Tools, Development Practices

1 week ago | meritalk.com | Weslan Hansen

The U.S. Army is working to modernize its air and missile defense systems, but its failure to fully adopt modern design tools and industry best practices has slowed progress and may be driving up costs, a Federal watchdog said.