USDS focuses on modernizing government technology by improving processes, data interoperability, and system usability.
USDS prioritizes operational improvements over combatting data authenticity challenges posed by GANs.
Collaboration between Google and USDS highlights knowledge exchange between private and government sectors.
Deep dives
Government Technology Evolution
The US Digital Service aims to modernize government technology, often starting with outdated processes from the mid-'90s. They have made progress by introducing bug bounties in 2016 after decades of delay, transitioning to cloud services, and optimizing data interoperability. While acknowledging the lag behind private industries, the focus remains on impactful projects, promoting innovation in a traditionally slow-moving sector.
Data Authenticity and GANs
Although General Adversarial Networks (GANs) pose authenticity challenges for data integrity, the USDS primarily tackles operational improvements rather than cutting-edge tech issues like combating fake data generated by GANs. The strategy centers on digitizing paper processes, enhancing system usability, and ensuring data compatibility. Issues like data interoperability hold more immediate relevance for the USDS' mission.
Research and Industry Engagement
The USDS and Google maintained a symbiotic relationship as Google attended search conferences alongside USDS members, exchanging insights on black hat strategies and industry trends. While Google benefited from this external engagement, the USDS leveraged such collaborations to stay informed about emerging search trends and adjust tactics accordingly. This partnership exemplifies a reciprocal exchange of knowledge between the private and government sectors.
Contributing to Government Policy and Regulation
Smart tech folks can better contribute to regulatory and policy discussions by actively participating in government interactions at various levels, even down to the municipal level. Individuals can attend council meetings, state legislator sessions, and even run for elected positions to influence policy changes. By engaging with government processes, either through grassroots efforts or tech startups focused on government solutions, tech professionals can offer valuable insights and resources to improve governmental operations.
Impact of User-Centered Design and Ethics in Tech
User-centered design plays a crucial role in tech product development, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing user needs to create meaningful experiences. Prioritizing user delight, interactions, and ethical considerations can lead to increased customer satisfaction and trust. The tech industry is urged to focus on thoughtful designs, engage in human-centered approaches, and consider the impact of products on user well-being, aiming for meaningful connections over mere functionality or profit generation.
14:38 - Matt's progression over 17 years at Google
17:18 - Deepfakes
18:43 - Joining the USDS
21:03 - What the USDS does
23:43 - Working at the USDS
26:43 - Educating people in government about tech
28:58 - Creating a rapid feedback loop within government
31:48 - Michael Wang asks - How does USDS decide whether to outsource something to a private company, or build the software in house?
32:58 - Spencer Clark asks - It would seem that the government is so far behind the private industry’s technology. To what extent is this true and what can be done about it? How should we gauge the progress of institutions like the USDS?
36:03 - Stephan Sturges asks - With GANs getting more and more powerful is the USDS thinking about the future of data authenticity?
38:23 - John Doherty asks - How difficult was it to communicate Google’s algorithm changes and evolving SEO best practices without leaking new spam tactics?
40:18 - Vanman0254 asks - How can smart tech folks better contribute to regulatory and policy discussions in government?
42:38 - Ronak Shah asks - What's your best pitch to high-performing startups in the Bay Area to adopt more of human centered design (something that the government has been moving towards surprisingly well, but that some fast moving startups have neglected resulting in controversy)
49:58 - Adam Hoffman asks - What are legislators, the government, and the general populace most “getting wrong” in how they conceptualize the internet?
51:33 - Raphael Ferreira asks - Is it possible to live without google? How do you think google affected people in searching for answers and content, now that’s we find everything in just one click?
55:23 - Tim Woods asks - Which job was more fun and why?
57:13 - Working in government vs private industry
1:00:48 - Snehan Kekre asks - What is Matt's view of the ongoing debate about backdooring encryption for so called lawful interception?
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