Author Archive

Alexandra Kelley

Staff Correspondent, Nextgov/FCW

Alexandra Kelley
Alexandra Kelley reports on emerging technology for Nextgov/FCW. Her most recent post was covering breaking news for The Hill where she focused on a variety of quantitative subjects, including Big Tech and the economy, in addition to covering the coronavirus pandemic since late 2019. She graduated from Kenyon College in 2017.
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White House leads public-private commitment to curb AI-based sexually abusive material

Leading private sector companies signed voluntary agreements with the White House to train and monitor their AI models to avoid such misuse.

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Microsoft unveils new quantum computing hybrid solution in Azure

Azure Quantum combines cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and logical qubits to bring quantum computing strength to scientific challenges.

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Microsoft, Palantir partner to expand AI offerings to defense and intelligence agencies

The new suite of offerings will be available on Microsoft’s Azure Government and Azure Government Secret and Top Secret clouds.

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Major tech companies pledge efforts to monitor AI-based content ahead of 2024 election

Senate Intel Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., received responses from 19 tech companies pledging actions like content moderation, airtight watermarking and strict licensing practices.

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Biden looks to preserve tech, cyber legacy with veto threat

Experts see continuity in tech policy from the Biden administration to a possible Kamala Harris presidency, with possible divergence on some national security and antitrust issues.

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DHS selects 6 digital wallet startups for identity security contracts

The Homeland Security Department aims to facilitate more ways to comply with travel document requirements while safeguarding U.S. citizen privacy.

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Lawmaker set to introduce bill to standardize AI system testing

The proposed legislation would focus on standardizing how AI systems are tested for fairness and safety, with the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the forefront.

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Army plans multiple AI industry partnerships

Leadership from the military branch is interested in incorporating third party-generated algorithms for its operations, and is asking industry players for help.

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CISA conducts AI-driven cyber tabletop exercise with government and industry

The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative participated in a hypothetical AI-powered cyberattack drill to update information sharing protocols tailored to disruptions to automated systems.

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Senators look to mitigate risks in AI procurement

Sens. Gary Peters and Thom Tillis introduced new legislation that would codify safety measures in government contracts for artificial intelligence products and services.

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DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies

The Department of Homeland Security’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investments over the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more. 

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Senate AI roadmap calls for $32 billion for AI programs

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled the Senate AI Working Group’s policy recommendations, which include plans for emergency appropriations to be passed this year. Senate committees will start developing bills and Working Group leaders will kick off "serious discussions" about working with House leaders on a path to pass AI legislation.

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Transportation Department seeks AI solutions for transit infrastructure

The agency is looking for ways AI can improve pedestrian safety, air traffic control, road traffic management and more.

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NSF pitches Congress on the potential of quantum technology

The National Science Foundation made a case for robust congressional funding in emerging tech research following budget cuts to the agency this year.

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DHS launches new AI safety and security board

The board will be made up of 22 representatives from private sector, government and academia and will advise Secretary Mayorkas on risk mitigation for AI in critical infrastructure. 

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Los Alamos National Lab unveils new supercomputer primed for AI

NVIDIA, Hewlett Packard, and the Department of Energy jointly brought a new supercomputer to the New Mexico lab outfitted for processing large volumes of data.

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New White House policy mandates safeguards for federal AI use

The White House also announced new hiring goals for artificial intelligence talent, a request for information on the procurement of AI and more.

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Pentagon’s outgoing AI chief warns Congress on safety, accuracy risks of the emerging tech

Craig Martell warned that ensuring the accuracy and value of large language models will be the “biggest charge” for his successor.

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DHS unveils new AI roadmap

The plan for artificial intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security comes alongside three new AI pilot programs, with aims to both harness the benefits and monitor emerging risks of the technology.

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US signs on to international principles for 6G

In conjunction with nine other countries, the U.S. released six new principles intended to guide a global 6G wireless connectivity adoption.