The United States (US) is implementing new measures to curb the flow of sensitive personal data to foreign adversaries, with President Joe Biden issuing an executive order in relation to it.
This move was prompted by concerns over the potential misuse of such data, particularly by countries like China.
"The President's Executive Order focuses on Americans' most personal and sensitive information, including genomic data, biometric data, personal health data, geolocation data, financial data, and certain kinds of personally identifiable information," the White House said.
"Bad actors can use this data to track Americans (including military service members), pry into their personal lives, and pass that data on to other data brokers and foreign intelligence services. This data can enable intrusive surveillance, scams, blackmail, and other violations of privacy," it added.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: U.S. President Joe Biden arrives for a meeting with police chiefs from across the country and members of his administration in the State Dining Room at the White House on February 28, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden touted achievements in reducing crime thanks to investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
New Executive Order of Joe Biden
Under the executive order, the Justice Department will establish the rules safeguarding Americans' information, including genetic, biometric, and geolocation data, from access and exploitation by nations deemed security risks.
The executive order will specifically target Americans' most personal and sensitive information, including genomic data, personal health data, and many more.
It aims to address concerns regarding the potential exploitation of such data, which can enable intrusive surveillance, scams, blackmail, and other privacy violations.
The president's directive directs the Justice Department to establish regulations that protect Americans' sensitive personal data from access and exploitation by countries of concern. These protections will cover various forms of data known for their potential misuse by foreign adversaries.
Furthermore, the executive order emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive government-related data, including information on sensitive government sites and military members. It calls for greater collaboration between the Department of Justice and Homeland Security to set high-security standards.
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Striking a Balance
In addition to these measures, the executive order underscores the need to ensure that federal grants, contracts, and awards do not inadvertently facilitate access to Americans' sensitive data by countries of concern, including through companies operating within the US.
It also highlights the role of the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector in evaluating threats to Americans' sensitive personal data in its reviews of submarine cable licenses.
Importantly, these actions are designed to strike a balance between protecting Americans' privacy and preserving critical consumer, economic, scientific, and trade relationships with other countries.
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