Deutschland: Start für den ePass
Elektronischer Reisepass wird bundesweit ausgestellt -Datenschützer zweifeln an höherer Fälschungssicherheit
Ab dem 1. November wird der neue elektronische Reisepass (ePass) bundesweit ausgestellt. Nach Ansicht des scheidenden Bundesinnenministers Otto Schily (SPD) wird er mehr Fälschungssicherheit bringen. Doch Datenschützer wie der Bundesbeauftragte für Datenschutz, Peter Schaar, halten dies nicht für belegt.
UK: Research says Councils are sidelining citizen communication needs
A poll of UK Local Councils reveals that 70% are not offering telephone self-service to their citizens, despite 40% recognising that it would result in a significant reduction in call centre response times. The research, commissioned by Damovo and Ericsson, also found that more than half (54%) of Local Councils believe telephone self-service would benefit citizens by providing 24 hour access to services.
GovGuam agencies tackle site requirement
As of last Friday, every government of Guam agency is required by law to have a Web site containing all their forms, notice of any public meetings, and extensive information on their budget and organization.
Of the more than 50 line agencies, about 80 percent had a Web site online as of Friday, according to the governor's office.
USA: High-level team to probe interagency contract vehicles
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy is creating a working group to address congressional concerns that federal interagency procurement vehicles may offer duplicative services, the office's acting administrator said Monday.
Interagency contracts are an Office of Management and Budget-favored way for agencies to buy products and services because they leverage the spending power of the government to get discounts.
USA: South Carolina launches revamped Web site with new look, more services
The state has quietly launched an overhaul of its Web site that will make it easier for people to do business with the state - and for some to pay for new services online.
That's one of the major changes in the no-budget Web site the state launched in 2000 as www.myscgov.com.