State Department Archives

Matthew Graviss, the State Department’s chief AI officer and chief data officer, speaks during AI Talks on April 18, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Scoop News Group photo)

Former State Department data, AI leader Graviss joins Atlassian

Matthew Graviss has joined the Australian-based software company as its public sector chief technology officer after roughly 17 years in government.

Mar 7, 2025 By Madison Alder

A view of the USAID sign above the entrance of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

Source: USAID preparing to transfer systems to State Department amid downsizing

The agency’s website says it has placed approximately 1,600 personnel on administrative leave.

Feb 24, 2025 By Rebecca Heilweil

The Daily Scoop Podcast

Trump order limits agency hiring, puts DOGE leads in decision-making roles; the State Department loses its top data and AI official

The new executive order looks to minimize agency hiring allowances, requiring four workers to depart for every one hire to be made. And, Matthew Graviss is leaving…

Feb 12, 2025 By FedScoop Staff

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the department's chief data and artificial intelligence Officer, Matthew Graviss, are pictured from behind, acknowledging applause after a fireside chat on AI. The officials are looking at each other, appearing to both be mid-clap. The audience is in the background. — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right) and the department’s chief data and artificial intelligence Officer, Matthew Graviss (left), spoke to department employees about artificial intelligence capabilities in June. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

State Department’s top data and AI official departs

Matthew Graviss led the agency’s implementation of artificial intelligence, including its internal AI chatbot.

Feb 11, 2025 By Madison Alder

From translation to email drafting, State Department turns to AI to assist workforce

The agency responsible for foreign affairs has introduced an internal chatbot and tools to aid employees with things like news analysis and searching department policy.

Dec 11, 2024 By Madison Alder

The US Department of State building is seen in Washington, DC, on July 22, 2019. (Photo by ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP via Getty Images)

How the Global Engagement Center hopes to fight deepfakes abroad

Public records show the agency wanted to build a “meme detector” and use other AI to detect deepfakes.

Dec 6, 2024 By Rebecca Heilweil

An image of a man using ChatGPT software. (Photo by NICOLAS MAETERLINCK/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

State Department reveals new interagency task force on detecting AI-generated content

More than 20 agencies are currently involved in the effort.

Nov 20, 2024 By Rebecca Heilweil

The U.S. Department of State is seen on January 6, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Global Engagement Center leader talks disinformation, technology and reauthorization

Amid a fight to stay operational, a top official with the State Department office makes the case for its mission.

Nov 18, 2024 By Rebecca Heilweil Derek B. Johnson

The United States Department of State is pictured in Washington, DC on August 6, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)

Can the Global Engagement Center make the case for itself?

Congressional authorization for the State Department’s foreign disinformation branch is expiring, as officials attempt to convince skeptics that its work is vital.

Nov 18, 2024 By Rebecca Heilweil Derek B. Johnson

Vice President Kamala Harris looks on as President Joe Biden signs an executive order on artificial intelligence, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 30, 2023. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

How federal IT officials are navigating the post-AI executive order ‘hype cycle’

One year after the White House released its landmark EO, agency tech leaders assess what’s working with AI and what’s coming next.

Oct 29, 2024 By Matt Bracken