Author Archive
Brendan Sasso
Brendan Sasso is a technology correspondent for National Journal. He previously covered technology policy issues for The Hill and was a researcher and contributing writer for the 2012 edition of the Almanac of American Politics. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from Claremont McKenna College.
Digital Government
Obama Administration’s Encryption Views Are All Over the Map
Some government officials are focused on catching criminals, while others worry about empowering hackers.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
Frustrated by Congress, Privacy Advocates Shift Fight to the States
State lawmakers recently announced bills to limit police surveillance and protect the privacy of students and employees.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
This Court Case Could be a Major Blow to FTC’s Data Security Efforts
Most companies facing a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission try to settle as quickly as possible. But not Michael Daugherty.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Cybersecurity
Privacy Groups Blast Cyber-Sharing Included in Omnibus Spending Bill
Congress is about to take its biggest step yet to bolster cybersecurity, but many fear it could expand surveillance.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
Ted Cruz Is Right: NSA Reform Bill Allows More Spying
With terrorism fears running high, Cruz and Rubio traded shots over government surveillance.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
Feds Will Require $5 Registration Fee for Drones
Drone companies are expecting big sales for the holidays, but the government just gave them a lump of coal.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
FBI Chief Admits It’s Impossible to Ban All Encryption
The government can at least make it harder to hide from surveillance, James Comey says.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
House Homeland Security Chairman Wants Commission to Study Encryption
Lawmakers are scrambling to find a way to ensure the government can spy on terrorist communications.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
3 Key Questions about the Upcoming Net Neutrality Court Fight
The case could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Internet.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
Why Is the Wildly Popular Email Privacy Act Still Stuck in Congress?
More than 300 House members—a majority of the body—have signed on as cosponsors.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
Is Congress All Bark and No Bite on Encryption?
Even critics of the tech industry aren’t quite sure how to guarantee government access to terrorist communications.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Featured eBooks
Emerging Tech
Senate Committee Votes to Protect Right to Post Negative Yelp Reviews
The Consumer Review Freedom Act would bar contracts that gag consumers from leaving negative online reviews.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
Senators Investigate Role of Encryption in Paris Attacks
Lawmakers want to know whether encryption allowed the attackers to keep their communications covert.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Modernization
Does T-Mobile’s Free Video Plan Violate Net Neutrality?
T-Mobile will let customers watch Netflix without burning through their data plans.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Cybersecurity
Feds: House Bill Could Make Cars More Vulnerable to Hackers
Republicans want to boost the security and privacy of connected cars, but regulators say their bill would backfire.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
FCC’s Plan to Regulate Online Streaming Faces Backlash
A top House Democrat opposes the agency’s plan to treat streaming video like cable television.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Emerging Tech
Drone Company Faces $1.9 Million Fine for Unsanctioned Flights
The FAA has proposed its largest ever fine of a company for unauthorized drone flights.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
NSA Spying Violates Privacy Rights, EU Court Rules
By throwing out a key international agreement, the ruling delivers a blow to global tech companies.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
Can the U.S. Trust China to Stop Stealing Business Secrets?
Obama threatened sanctions, but proving responsibility for a cyberattack will be difficult.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal
Digital Government
Senators Drop Bid to Force Facebook, Twitter to Report 'Terrorist Activity'
Ron Wyden was blocking a vote on an intelligence bill over the controversial provision.
- By Brendan Sasso, National Journal