US agencies face uphill battle for Silicon Valley talent

Washington

THE US government agencies that defend the nation are in the midst of a charm offensive - trying to win over the hearts and minds of Silicon Valley's tech workers. The move is evoking considerable scepticism from the US tech community.

In recent months, the US Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security have announced the opening of Silicon Valley offices as part of an effort to mend fences.

Relations have worsened since the 2013 leak of classified documents by former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden and disputes over issues ranging from encryption to surveillance.

"I believe we must renew the bonds of trust and rebuild the bridge between the Pentagon and Silicon Valley," Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in an April speech in California. Mr Carter unveiled a "Defense Innovative Unit Experimental" to work with the private sector, enabling startups to work with the Pentagon, and a programme that…