Source URL: https://fedscoop.com/agencies-must-share-custom-source-code-under-new-share-it-act/
Source: Hacker News
Title: Bill requiring US agencies to share source code with each other becomes law
Feedly Summary: Comments
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The SHARE IT Act promotes efficiency in government software development by requiring federal agencies to share custom-developed code. This bipartisan legislation aims to reduce costs and prevent redundant contracts, ensuring better resource utilization while protecting classified and privacy-sensitive code.
Detailed Description:
The SHARE IT Act, signed into law, mandates that federal agencies share custom-developed software code with each other. This significant legislation targets industry efficiency and cost reduction in government software purchases. Below are the main components and implications of the act:
– **Objective**: The primary goal is to curb the estimated $12 billion annual spending on software by eliminating duplicate development efforts across various agencies.
– **Public Code Listing**: Agencies will now be required to publicly list their custom-developed code, facilitating easier access and collaboration.
– **Exemptions**: The act does not apply to classified code, national security systems, or any code that poses privacy risks.
– **Implementation**: Within 180 days of enactment, chief information officers at federal agencies must devise policies to align custom code development with best practices, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
– **Metadata Requirements**: The law stipulates the inclusion of detailed metadata involving contract details and repository links where the code is shared, enhancing traceability and governance.
– **Industry Support**: The legislation has garnered backing from tech industry leaders, which underscores a collective belief in fostering collaborative practices in software development.
– **Legislative History**: The bipartisan effort was led by key political figures, highlighting broad support across party lines for improving government efficiency.
Implications for security, privacy, and compliance professionals:
– The sharing of custom code enhances transparency but may raise concerns around security if sensitive code inadvertently becomes accessible.
– Agencies must balance innovation and collaboration with the need to protect sensitive data, requiring robust governance and compliance frameworks.
– Compliance with metadata and reporting requirements will require careful attention to documentation and data management practices to ensure alignment with the act’s stipulations.
This legislation marks a pivotal shift in how federal agencies approach software development, opening new avenues for collaboration while necessitating vigilance in security and privacy measures.