Protecting Americans' Sensitive Data From Foreign Adversaries

2021-06-11Executive Order 14034
Signed by: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
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Headline: United States Orders Reviews of Foreign-Controlled Connected Software Apps

What it does: Agencies must rescind prior TikTok and WeChat rules, and the Secretary of Commerce must assess and report on risks from foreign-controlled connected software applications.

Real World Impact:
  • Rescinds and halts enforcement of prior TikTok and WeChat restrictions and related policies.
  • Requires new reports and threat and vulnerability assessments to protect personal and genetic data.
  • Gives Commerce ongoing authority to evaluate app transactions and act under Executive Order 13873.
Topics: data privacy, national security, software apps, foreign influence, government oversight

Summary

This order directs the federal government to address risks from connected software applications tied to foreign adversaries. It revokes earlier orders addressing TikTok and WeChat, directs agencies to rescind related rules and abolish related entities, and tasks the Secretary of Commerce with assessing risks and recommending protections for sensitive U.S. data, including personal health and genetic information.

The order requires threat and vulnerability assessments from intelligence and homeland security officials and gives Commerce ongoing authority to evaluate app transactions and act to protect national security.

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