CybersecurityGovernmentPrivacy

UK Data Watchdog Defends Afghan Leak Inaction Citing Security Constraints

The UK’s data protection regulator has declined to investigate a Ministry of Defence leak that exposed details of Afghans seeking relocation. Information Commissioner John Edwards cited classified material constraints and MoD’s adequate response as key factors in the decision.

Regulator Cites Security Constraints in Decision

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has defended its choice not to investigate a significant data breach at the Ministry of Defence that compromised the safety of thousands of Afghans linked to British forces. According to reports, the accidental leak occurred in February 2022 and potentially exposed over 33,000 individuals to Taliban reprisals.

CloudGovernmentTech

EU Launches €180 Million Sovereign Cloud Procurement Initiative to Boost Data Autonomy

The European Commission has announced a major €180 million procurement initiative for sovereign cloud services spanning six years. This strategic move aims to strengthen EU data autonomy while establishing new benchmarks for cloud service sovereignty across legal, operational, and technical dimensions.

Major EU Cloud Procurement Initiative

The European Commission has reportedly launched a significant tender process valued at €180 million for sovereign cloud computing services, according to official announcements. Sources indicate the six-year contract will provide European Union institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies with cloud services that meet stringent sovereignty requirements.

GovernmentPolicy

Federal Government Shutdown Begins After Senate Rejects Funding Measure

The federal government has entered a shutdown after Senate Republicans failed to pass a funding bill for the eleventh time. The political standoff centers on healthcare provisions and could affect hundreds of thousands of federal workers and critical services across multiple agencies.

Government Funding Collapses Amid Healthcare Dispute

The federal government entered a shutdown early Thursday after the Senate rejected a Republican-backed continuing resolution for the eleventh time, according to reports. The 55-45 vote fell short of the 60-vote threshold needed to advance the measure, with three Democratic caucus members crossing party lines. The House had previously passed the GOP proposal in a 217-212 vote, but it required at least seven Democratic votes to clear the Senate.

GovernmentPolitics

GOP Fissures Emerge as Historic Government Shutdown Drags On

Republican unity shows signs of fracturing as the government shutdown extends into record territory. Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has publicly criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson’s strategy, calling for immediate legislative action. The impasse continues as federal workers face furloughs and Senate Democrats resist the House’s funding proposal.

Republican Unity Shows First Signs of Strain

As the U.S. government shutdown entered its 20th day on Monday, becoming the longest full shutdown in American history, the first noticeable crack in Republican solidarity has emerged according to reports. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia representative aligned with the party’s right flank, publicly broke with House Speaker Mike Johnson over his decision to keep Congress in extended recess.