Opinion

From enabling digital paper forms and mobile payments to implementing facial recognition and delivery drones, touchless government services are the way forward in continuing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As the presidential election nears this November, online threats from ballot interference to largescale ransomware attacks threaten all levels of government, and the stakes have never been higher.

People who have been bullied or treated poorly have a greater chance of turning the anger towards others, and while this happens in person, more often it happens behind a computer screen where users feel safer.

The Data, Responsibly project, based out of New York University, has taken its research on responsible data management and expanded it to improve messaging around what it means to collect and use data ethically.

As city, county and state governments of all sizes work to shore up their cybersecurity before the 2020 presidential election, IT heads must not overlook one of the most basic defenses: password management.

The presence of artificial intelligence in workplaces has risen drastically, however, the technology remains highly controversial. Perhaps the workplace is better off without AI.

It’s troubling to see broadband Internet funding stuck in legislative neutral as the pandemic has created a critical need for strong and widespread Internet connections in Minnesota’s rural areas.

What happened in the California state Senate on the final night of the two-year legislative session Monday was perhaps a prime example of machines dispatching decorum and crippling civility.

By making connections between groups in need of digital assistance and local nonprofits, city and county CIOs are well-poised to help overcome the realities of digital inequity exposed by the pandemic.

As schools embark on a year of virtual or hybrid learning, hackers are seeking to exploit weaknesses in systems largely unprepared to fend off attacks. States must take the lead by updating technology and training users.

The changes wrought by the pandemic have underscored the need for creative, flexible leaders who expect the same from their technology. So perhaps it isn’t surprising that as-a-service technologies have met this moment.

Getting on government contracts can be mysterious for small vendors. Digitizing RFPs and thoughtful outreach can bring more local companies to public-sector contracts, benefiting both agencies and communities at large.

While using technology to automate public-sector processes can be one of the most straightforward paths to improved efficiency, being sure to lay the right groundwork and knowing your agency’s ultimate goals are key.

As Congress prepares legislation for new broadband infrastructure projects, it is imperative there be parity between rural and urban programs. Everyone should benefit directly from these investments

An increase in mail-in voting this year will cost an estimated $2 billion, much of which will fall on local governments. Smart tech investments and security monitoring are key to doing more with less.

With a few changes to existing systems, human-centered technology can help counter the racial bias embedded in the social safety net by creating more opportunity for people of color to access services digitally.

While the Paycheck Protection Program is intended to help keep businesses afloat during the economic uncertainty of the pandemic, the impact of those looking to take advantage of the system can reach the local level.

Developing a strategy that puts employees at the heart of public-sector data work is essential for making informed decisions that will not only drive efficiencies but also improve delivery of citizen services.