Cybersecurity

US proposes rule to prevent the sale of financial data to foreign adversaries

Data brokers would have to comply under terms set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, in an effort that aims to stop exploitation of Americans’ data overseas.

Cybersecurity

UN cybercrime convention will ‘legitimize’ authoritarian nations’ cyber behavior, senators warn

The proposed treaty has ignited debate among officials, as it may offer adversaries a stronger voice in international discussions about cybersecurity and surveillance.

Digital Government

White House probes the collision of AI and personal data

Policymakers are examining how the advent of artificial intelligence could create new privacy risks around the federal agency purchase and use of personal information from data brokers.

Digital Government

House pivots on data privacy bill, removing algorithmic discrimination coverage

The intended final draft of the American Privacy Rights Act includes new language on biometric data and data on minors, but notably removes civil rights protections sought by privacy advocates.

Emerging Tech

Senate passes FAA reauthorization without TSA biometrics amendment

A group of bipartisan senators hoped to use the must-pass measure to pause rollouts of the Transportation Security Administration’s facial recognition technology at new airports.

Policy

Large-language models demand huge amounts of data. Lawmakers want to know what that means for user privacy

A bipartisan effort is underway in the House and Senate to pass national data privacy standards, but Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., and others are concerned that companies are pushing back on data minimization in the race to field AI applications.

Acquisition

Spy agencies must craft safeguards for using sensitive commercial data, ODNI says

The new framework follows a report last year that showed the intelligence community frequently relies on purchased sensitive information.

Cybersecurity

Critical infrastructure cyberattacks pushed NSA to unmask thousands of U.S. identities through spying law

The number of U.S. identity unmaskings NSA conducted in response to requests from other agencies through Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act tripled in 2023 compared to the prior year.

Policy

Biden signs extension of controversial spying program into 2026

The Section 702 authorities were reauthorized without the addition of a warrant requirement to review the communications of Americans caught up in foreign surveillance.

Acquisition

When can US spies buy your personal data? New guidelines are coming

Certain missions require government acquisition of personal information collected by data brokers, and appropriate safeguards need to be put in place, the official said at a Cyber Command-hosted event.

Policy

Section 702 renewal has support in Congress, but intelligence officials are leery of warrant measure

The disputed surveillance authority expires April 19, and the intelligence community is sending a full-court press to keep it from garnering significant privacy reforms.

Cybersecurity

Congress tries again for comprehensive data privacy bill

The bill would establish national data privacy standards, with the Federal Trade Commission crafting rules for enforcement.

Cybersecurity

Government funding bill punts extension of controversial spying power

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expires April 19 unless reauthorized by Congress, and an 11th-hour funding bill crafted to avert a partial government shutdown doesn't address the matter.

Cybersecurity

House advances bill empowering FTC to punish data transfers to foreign rivals

The unanimously approved legislation would give the FTC more enforcement power over data transfers to nations like China and Russia.

Policy

Lawmakers propose a new federal office to regulate workplace surveillance tech

The new bill from Reps. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., and Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., would also establish new employee rights and employer transparency rules around surveillance.

Artificial Intelligence

Civil Rights commission digs into government use of facial recognition

The tech poses “serious threats to our fundamental rights,” the chair of the commission said during a Friday briefing.

Cybersecurity

Biden’s new data security order leaves industry officials, privacy advocates scratching their heads

Implementing the executive order will involve crafting new legal mechanisms for data transfers while assuaging ongoing privacy concerns.

Policy

Biden admin to seek surveillance court blessing to renew Section 702 program through next year

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court will receive the White House filing next month.

Policy

Civil liberties groups urge Congress to keep 702 measures out of upcoming funding votes

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire on April 19 unless reauthorized by Congress.