Government Tech Consultancy 18F Axed in White House Layoffs

2025-03-01
Government Tech Consultancy 18F Axed in White House Layoffs

The General Services Administration (GSA) eliminated 18F, a government technology consultancy, over the weekend. The agency, which assisted other government bodies with their technology, was deemed "non-critical" and approximately 90 employees were affected. This action is part of a broader White House-directed reduction in force across the government and aligns with a Trump administration memo calling for cuts to 'non-essential consulting' functions. 18F's contributions included work on the IRS's free tax filing system and redesigning the Justice Department's ADA website. The closure sparks concerns about government tech talent loss and policy shifts.

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White House Unveils Cyber Trust Mark for IoT Devices

2025-01-08
White House Unveils Cyber Trust Mark for IoT Devices

The White House launched a new labeling program, the "Cyber Trust Mark," to help consumers identify more secure internet of things (IoT) devices. Similar to the Energy Star label, the Cyber Trust Mark signifies that a device meets certain government-vetted cybersecurity standards set by NIST. UL Solutions is the primary administrator, with major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy assisting in consumer education. The government plans to mandate procurement of devices with this mark by 2027, driving the IoT market towards improved security.

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