ZDNetGovWeek: Yahoo decides to be unhelpful, so does the US, but HP is all about helping Healthcare.gov
ZDNet's worldwide team provides global 24/7 technology news and analysis. In addition to my own coverage analysis here in the ZDNet Government column and on ZDNet's DIY-IT, every week I'll bring you a selection of the best government-related articles posted by our intrepid reporters and analysts. Here are some of the most interesting from the last week.
Top stories this week
Healthcare.gov hosting service Verizon to be replaced by HP
The troubled insurance exchange site is housed in a single data center with no backup. A disaster recovery contract was only recently awarded.
Despite US opposition, UN approves rights to privacy in the digital age
Despite last week's US-led opposition to the United Nations' "Rights To Privacy In The Digital Age," the resolution put forward as a reaction to US surveillance activities was passed.
Yahoo helps scammers phish by ignoring open redirect vulnerability
Instead of closing one of the top 10 most common web vulnerabilities on its site, Yahoo has said that an open direct flaw is 'working as designed'.
Microsoft to encrypt network traffic amid NSA datacenter link tapping claims
Suspecting NSA interference, Microsoft is taking a leaf out of Google and Yahoo's books in efforts to prevent surveillance and wiretapping of its global datacenters.
2013 in Review: Tech Turkeys of the year
And now, for your reading pleasure, the very worst from the tech world in 2013.
Other government coverage around ZDNet
Google's privacy policy merger 'against Dutch law'
Google's recent move to unite all the privacy policies of its various services into a single offering has been slapped down by the Netherlands' privacy regulator.
European Parliament's network hacked; public Wi-Fi shutdown
The news comes not long after leaked documents showed the NSA was bugging and spying EU offices around the world. But the U.S. agency can likely be ruled out as a suspect in this latest hack, following reports from German media.
Singapore arrests two men for govt site breach
A 17-year-old student and 42-year-old businessman will be charged for unauthorized modification of computer material, relating to the breach of Istana website belonging to the presidential office.
NSW Electoral Commission invites tenders for iVote system
The state's electoral authority has put out a request for tender to develop, implement, deploy, and provide support for its remote e-voting system.
Malaysia: We can protect classified data
Top government official says the country has the necessary system in place to protect classified information and communications, following reports Singapore had helped the U.S. spy on Malaysia, among others in the region.
Australian Customs to trial automated departures
Following increased usage by inbound travellers of SmartGate technology at Australia's major airports, Customs is set to trial new technology for outbound citizens in Brisbane.
'Hacktivism' gains foothold in the Philippines
A group has justified hacking, saying it is a way of calling for change and political reforms amid the so-called 'pork barrel' scam.
Realizing it's the underdog post-PRISM, EU lays out new BFF pact with the U.S.
Tossing the governmental grenade back to its federal former friend, the EU wants the U.S. to abide by its rules if the two continents want to stay friends. The demands could ultimately throw a spanner in the works for the U.S.' mass surveillance operations.
'Reluctant' NBN Co execs summoned to Senate committee
A Labor and Greens dominated NBN senate committee will hold hearings over the next two days that will include appearances from 'reluctant' NBN Co executives.
Banks say no security flaw in tap-and-go cards
Australia's biggest banks insist there's no security flaw in tap-and-go cards, despite police blaming them for a surge in fraud.
WikiLeaks doubts US report on Assange
Julian Assange isn't about to walk out of the Ecuadorian embassy in London, despite fresh claims by US officials that he's unlikely to face charges for publishing top secret documents.
Victorian agencies unpatched, blind to online threats: Report
Not implementing strategies recommended by national security agencies, failing to have a process in place to inform ministers of attacks, and failing to conduct proper penetration tests are just some of the auditor-general's findings.
New Zealand MP asks if NSA spied on Kim Dotcom
A cryptic comment in a police report is raising questions about whether the United States' National Security Agency spied on internet tycoon and New Zealand resident Kim Dotcom.
NBN battery backup needs regulating: ACMA
Unsatisfied with NBN Co requiring ISPs to get informed consent from users who don't want battery backup for their NBN services, the media regulator is seeking to step in and oversee the process.
What comes after oil and gas? Norway bets €60m it's IT startups
Norway's government has unveiled a seed fund for new tech businesses with international potential.
Australian government seeks new mobile services panel
The Australian government is seeking a new mobile panel that will offer expanded services and devices to government agencies, including the offering of tablets.