Rock Creek Roundup (July 22 Edition)

Posted by: Meagen Ryan, Director of Strategy Jul 22, 2011 0 Comments

DARPA wants to learn the science behind social media, the DC Metro jumps on the social media train, the EPA hosts an environmental app challenge and releases its social media policy, the FDA proposes its first regulations on mobile health apps, and the White House OMB makes its Twitter debut with a simple, direct tweet, all in this week’s version of the Rock Creek Roundup!

—Everyday social media users might not be aware of the science behind the systems they use, but the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) does and wants to know more. Last week, DARPA released its Social Media in Strategic Communications (SMISC) Program asking innovators to develop new systems to evaluate and support social media tools. With the ever-changing nature of social media, DARPA wants to reign in the tools and use them in new ways. The SMISC tools are meant to classify, measure, and track the formation, development, and spread of ideas and deceptive messaging or misinformation. Another goal is to recognize persuasion campaigns and operations across social mediums. Lastly, they should identify participants and intent to measures the effect of the campaigns while also countering messaging of opposition influence operations. The last day to enter solicitation proposals is October 11 with an industry day on August 2.

—The Washington DC Metro is jumping on board the social media train! Recently, DC Metro has launched an extensive public relations and advertising campaign “Metro Forward” to get the word out about its $5 billion improvements and changes. The campaign not only wants to tell the riders of its plans, but also wants to reach out and connect with people in a two-way conversation. As part of the Metro’s move into the realm of social media, the DC Metro has hired a full-time social media manager Brian Anderson and a new spokesperson Dan Stessel. Through social networks, they hope to improve their reputation through accurate, real-time information on their users’ smartphones.

—This is the year of the apps, and the Environmental Protection Agency wants more! Continuing to take a leadership position in the open government initiative, the EPA is hosting the Environment Challenge to encourage developers to use its data and make it accessible to the public. With do-good apps on the rise, the EPA wants to utilize its data along with information from other relevant sources to create an app that protects peoples’ health and the environment. The wealth of data being transformed includes information about city air quality, toxic materials from facilities, safe drinking water, safe products, and environmental enforcement. Being the first of its kind for the EPA, Environment Challenge has received positive feedback and a lot of interest after being tweeted to almost 3 million people and the Listserv garnering more than 900 subscribers in five weeks. The deadline for submissions is September 16.

—Speaking of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Thursday, the agency released a social media policy that outlines its procedures, tool-based guidance, and rules. The EPA Social Media Policy can be found on the Social Media Subcouncil wiki with documents ranging from internal use procedures to commenting policies. The mission of the policy is to use social media to support the overarching mission of the EPA, said EPA Director of Web Communications Jeffrey Levy. As more federal agencies delve into the world of social media, more agency-specific policies will surface to avoid online slip-ups and develop a consistent, professional social media image.

—Health apps have become a go-to resource for the on-the-go mobile user, but the Food and Drug Administration is worried about patient safety. The FDA proposed its first-ever regulations of the mobile health industry Tuesday targeting apps that are similar to medical devices. The agency made sure they don’t obstruct growth and development in the industry, but ensure public safety. Not all applications will be subject to regulation. Three types will require FDA approval: an app that is used in accessory to a regulated medical device, turns a mobile device into a regulated medical device, or makes suggestions regarding diagnosis or treatment. The guidelines won’t come into effect for 90 days following the collection of feedback from manufacturers and healthcare providers. While the evolution of mobile technology is rapid, the FDA wants to make sure it can keep up and protect those using the programs while supporting future technologies.

—The Office of Management and Budget kicked off its introduction to Twitter with a simple, direct tweet: “Happy to be here.” Being appropriate for its role as the White House’s business branch, the tweet received high marks from NextGov blogger Joseph Marks. Soon after, Vice President Joe Biden signed on with a personal tweet about preventing abuse against young women and his actions against the problem. Each tweet written by Biden will be signed “VP” to let followers know he’s typed them himself. Being a proponent of social media and its power, the White House staff has whole-heartedly embraced the technology to connect with constituents. In its debut on Twitter, the OMB has taken the route of brevity, but linking to the agency’s blog for those interested in more.

Meagen Ryan

Director of Strategy

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