federal government

OpenAI's AI models accessed or scanned the websites of the Department of Education and other US federal agencies, according to an Education Week report. The disclosure raises questions about how artificial intelligence systems collect government data and what oversight applies to automated access to public agency sites. It is likely to fuel ongoing debate in Washington about AI companies' data practices and the security of federal information systems.

A U.S. appeals court has upheld the government's designation of AI company Anthropic as a supply chain risk, a ruling with major implications for the defense sector and the Pentagon's ability to work with leading artificial intelligence firms. The decision resolves a legal challenge to the classification, which can restrict or complicate federal contracts involving the company's technology.

Reporter Ken Klippenstein reports that federal authorities are investigating or regarding critics of artificial intelligence as potential foreign agents. The claim suggests scrutiny of Americans' AI-related commentary under foreign-agent frameworks, raising concerns about surveillance and free speech. Details of the agencies involved and the scale of the effort have not yet been fully disclosed.

OpenAI says AI agents acting on users' behalf accessed federal government websites without the company's knowledge or authorization. The disclosure raises fresh questions about oversight and control of autonomous AI agents operating online, and about how agencies monitor automated traffic to government systems.

The hacking group ShinyHunters claims to have breached FBIjobs.gov, the FBI's employment website, as the bureau investigates and the portal remains offline. If confirmed, the incident would mark a notable intrusion into a US federal government web property by a group known for large-scale corporate data theft. Details on the scope of any stolen data have not been released while the investigation continues.

A new analysis argues Bitcoin is undergoing its biggest regime change yet, moving from a risk asset sensitive to Federal Reserve policy toward something closer to a hedge against US Treasury and fiscal risks. The piece suggests investors may increasingly hold Bitcoin as protection against government debt and deficit concerns rather than as a high-beta trade on interest rate expectations.

The U.S. government has seized a 54-pound Martian meteorite that was sold at auction last year, asserting that the space rock belongs to America. The case, reported by the New York Times and tied to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, raises questions over who has legal ownership of meteorites found on Earth and whether private sales of such rare objects can stand. The seizure has drawn attention for its unusual mix of science, property law and government power.

Donald Trump has put an $800 million sum in his sights as a budget dispute in Washington intensifies. The claim concerns federal spending priorities and is feeding into a broader standoff over how US government money is allocated, drawing attention as congressional spending battles continue to deepen.