2Day in #OpenGov 11/20/12

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NEWS ROUNDUP:

Government

  • Clarification coming on digital copying rights: U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) might be working on a bill to clarify digital copying rights after the U.S. Copyright Office posed questions about whether fair use is legal. Issa suggested language could be written to help clearly define fair use. (Roll Call)
  • RSC pulls report on copyright law: The Republican Study Committee posted a paper last week proposing reforms to copyright law and suggesting current law gives content producers a monopoly. When the paper was pulled down less than one day later, copyright reform advocates questioned the cause for the sudden change. (The Hill)
  • Group asks to rein in former Speakers’ offices: A watchdog group is calling for reforms after discovering one former House speaker, Dennis Hastert, has been using a government office for some private business matters. Current law allows former speakers to have an office for transitioning out of their position. (Chicago Tribune)
  • Digital government deadlines approach: Federal agencies will be expected to have a digital governance structure by Nov. 28 in order to meet a deadline that is part of the Digital Government Strategy. One recommendation for that structure is to focus on meeting citizen needs rather than the wishlists of individual departments. (FCW, opinion)
Lobbying
  • Lobbying 101: Coming soon to a classroom near you: courses in how to lobby. George Washington University has a graduate program in lobbying, despite some on K Street saying the skill is something that cannot be learned in a book. (Washington Post)  
  • White House aide becomes lobbyist headhunter: A recruiter for the Obama administration is leaving her position to become a lobbyist headhunter at Korn/Ferry International. Joanna Martin was a recruiter for senior positions in the Obama administration. (Roll Call)
Technology
  • Google fined for overstating privacy: Google will pay a $22.5 million fine after settling with the Federal Trade Commission over charges that the company overstated privacy in Apple’s Safari browser. The FTC found Google put cookies on computers with Safari browsers for certain users. (The Hill)

RELEVANT BILLS INTRODUCED:

  • None

HAPPENING TODAY 11/20: 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

  • None.

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