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DOJ Seeks to Restrict Data Transfers to Countries of Concern Orrick Herrington Sutcliffe LLP

Protecting Sensitive Data from Foreign Governments
The proposed rule would require U.S.

The proposed rule would require U.S. companies to obtain explicit consent from affected individuals before transferring their data to foreign companies.

Understanding the Proposed Rule

The proposed rule aims to protect sensitive personal data from unauthorized access by foreign governments.

The Proposed Rule: Protecting Against Foreign Influence in Cybersecurity

The proposed rule aims to implement Executive Order 14117, issued under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This executive order was signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, and it has been the subject of much debate and discussion in the cybersecurity community.

Background

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is a federal law that allows the President to take extraordinary measures to address national security threats. Executive Order 14117 is one of the many executive orders issued under this authority, and it has been used to address various national security concerns, including cybersecurity threats.

The Concern

The proposed rule is concerned with the potential for countries to use insights gained from processing the data to engage in malicious cyber-enabled or malign foreign influence activities. This is a significant concern, as it highlights the potential for foreign actors to use data to manipulate or influence the decisions of individuals or organizations. The use of data to engage in malicious activities is a growing concern in the cybersecurity community. The potential for foreign actors to use data to manipulate or influence decisions is a significant threat to national security.

The regime would also address the national security implications of data flows.

Creating a New Regulatory Regime for Bulk Sensitive Personal Data and U.S. Government Data

Background

The proposed rule aims to create a new regulatory framework that would restrict transactions involving bulk sensitive personal data and U.S. government data. This move is part of a broader effort to protect personal data and address national security concerns.

Key Components of the Proposed Rule

  • Restrictions on Bulk Sensitive Personal Data Transactions: The proposed rule would restrict transactions involving bulk sensitive personal data, including data that is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). Restrictions on U.S. Government Data Transactions: The proposed rule would also restrict transactions involving U.S. government data, including data that is classified or sensitive in nature. National Security Implications: The proposed rule would address the national security implications of data flows, including the potential risks associated with the transfer of sensitive data to foreign entities. ### Building on Existing Efforts**
  • Building on Existing Efforts

    The proposed rule would build on existing efforts to protect personal data, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). CFIUS is a committee established by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review and approve foreign investments in U.S.

    The Proposed Rule: A Shift in Regulatory Approach

    The proposed rule, which aims to regulate cryptocurrency transactions, marks a significant shift in the regulatory approach. Instead of focusing on individual transactions, the rule would establish broad prohibitions and restrictions, setting a new precedent for the industry.

    A Case-by-Case Approach is Replaced by a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

    The proposed rule would abandon the traditional case-by-case approach, where each transaction is assessed individually. This approach allowed for flexibility and adaptability, as regulators could tailor their rules to specific circumstances. However, the proposed rule would impose blanket restrictions, applying to all transactions without exception. The new approach would simplify the regulatory process, but it would also limit the ability of regulators to respond to emerging issues or unique circumstances.

  • Entities that are owned or controlled by a country of concern. Entities that are owned or controlled by a country of conduct.

    The rule also allows the designation of persons who are acting on behalf of a covered person or country of concern.

    Designation of Covered Persons and Countries

    The rule authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to designate persons upon the basis of ownership or control by, or acting for on behalf of, a covered person or country of concern.

    Covered Data and Covered Persons: Key Considerations for U.S.

    The following types of data are considered covered data:

  • Personal identifiable information (PII)
  • Sensitive personal data (SPD)
  • Bulk data of protected health information (PHI)
  • Bulk data of financial information (FFI)
  • Understanding the Covered Data

    The covered data includes personal identifiable information (PII), sensitive personal data (SPD), and bulk data of protected health information (PHI) and financial information (FFI). To illustrate the scope of covered data, consider the following examples:

  • A company may collect and store customer names, addresses, and phone numbers, which are considered PII. A healthcare provider may collect and store patient medical records, which are considered PHI. A financial institution may collect and store customer account information, including account numbers and transaction history, which are considered FFI. ## Identifying Covered Persons*
  • Identifying Covered Persons

    To determine whether a third party qualifies as a covered person, U.S. persons will need to consult the DOJ’s list. The list includes entities and individuals that are subject to the regulations. The following are some examples of entities and individuals that may be considered covered persons:

  • A company that handles customer data for a U.S. company
  • A healthcare provider that handles patient medical records
  • A financial institution that handles customer account information
  • Key Considerations

    When identifying covered persons, U.S. persons must consider the following key factors:

  • Data handling practices: Covered persons must handle covered data in accordance with the regulations. This includes implementing appropriate security measures, such as encryption and access controls. Data storage and retention: Covered persons must store and retain covered data in accordance with the regulations. This includes implementing appropriate data retention policies and procedures.

    The Importance of Precise Geolocation Data

    In today’s digital age, precise geolocation data has become a crucial aspect of various industries, including law enforcement, emergency services, and location-based services. This data enables users to pinpoint their exact location, which has numerous benefits and applications.

    Benefits of Precise Geolocation Data

  • Enhanced Safety and Security: Precise geolocation data allows emergency services to respond quickly and accurately to emergencies, reducing response times and improving outcomes. Improved Navigation and Route Planning: With precise geolocation data, users can navigate more efficiently, avoiding traffic congestion and reducing travel times. Increased Efficiency in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Precise geolocation data enables companies to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve delivery times.

    The genetic information of an individual. The health-related information of an individual’s family members. The health-related information of an individual’s friends. The health-related information of an individual’s acquaintances. The health-related information of an individual’s business associates. The health-related information of an individual’s neighbors. The health-related information of an individual’s social media profiles. The health-related information of an individual’s online activities.

    Bulk Data Thresholds

    The proposed rule would establish specific thresholds for what constitutes bulk data. These thresholds would be based on the average annual expenditure of a consumer, which would be determined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB would use data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) to determine the average annual expenditure of a consumer. The thresholds would be as follows: + $6,000 for credit card data + $10,000 for bank account data + $15,000 for financial statement data + $20,000 for credit or consumer report data

    Impact on Consumers

    The proposed rule would have a significant impact on consumers, particularly those who are already vulnerable to data breaches and identity theft. The rule would provide consumers with more control over their personal data and allow them to opt-out of bulk data collection. Consumers would be able to opt-out of bulk data collection by: + Requesting that their financial institutions and creditors stop sharing their data + Filing a complaint with the CFPB + Using a credit monitoring service to track their credit reports

    Impact on Financial Institutions

    The proposed rule would also have an impact on financial institutions, which would be required to implement new procedures for handling bulk data.

  • • • ## The Proposed Rule: Protecting Sensitive Personal Data
  • The Proposed Rule: Protecting Sensitive Personal Data

    The proposed rule, aimed at protecting sensitive personal data, would prohibit three categories of “highly sensitive” covered data transactions. These categories include:

  • Sensitive personal data, regardless of volume, that a transacting party markets as linked or linkable to current or recent former employees or contractors. Sensitive personal data that is used to determine an individual’s creditworthiness or employment eligibility. Sensitive personal data that is used to determine an individual’s health or medical condition. ### Understanding the Categories*
  • Understanding the Categories

    The proposed rule focuses on three specific categories of sensitive personal data transactions. These categories are designed to protect individuals from potential harm or exploitation.

    Category 1: Sensitive Personal Data Linked to Current or Former Employees

    The first category prohibits the marketing of sensitive personal data as linked or linkable to current or recent former employees or contractors. This means that companies cannot use personal data to infer an individual’s employment status or connection to a particular organization. Example: A company cannot use a customer’s social media profile to infer that they are a former employee of the company. Consequence: This prohibition helps prevent companies from using personal data to discriminate against individuals based on their employment history.**

    Category 2: Sensitive Personal Data Used for Creditworthiness or Employment Eligibility

    The second category prohibits the use of sensitive personal data to determine an individual’s creditworthiness or employment eligibility. This means that companies cannot use personal data to make decisions about an individual’s ability to obtain credit or employment.

    The Proposed Rule: Restrictions on Bulk Human Genomic Data and Biospecimens

    The proposed rule, which aims to restrict certain covered data transactions, has sparked significant debate in the scientific community. The rule, which is part of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Human Subjects Research Policy Guidance, seeks to regulate the sharing of bulk human genomic data and human biospecimens.

    Background

    The NIH has long been a leader in promoting the responsible use of human subjects in research. The agency’s Human Subjects Research Policy Guidance, which was first introduced in 2009, sets forth the principles and guidelines for conducting human subjects research. The guidance emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights and welfare of research participants, while also promoting the advancement of scientific knowledge.

    The Proposed Rule

    The proposed rule, which is currently under consideration by the NIH, would restrict certain covered data transactions. These transactions would include:

  • Providing a country of concern or covered person access to bulk human genomic data or human biospecimens. Sharing human genomic data or human biospecimens with a country of concern or covered person without prior approval from the NIH. Failing to implement adequate safeguards to protect human genomic data or human biospecimens from unauthorized access or disclosure. ### Rationale*
  • Rationale

    The proposed rule is intended to address concerns about the misuse of human genomic data and human biospecimens.

    Involung in the creation of a new product or service. Involving the use of a third-party service provider.

    The Proposed Rule: A Closer Look

    The proposed rule, which aims to exempt certain data transactions from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), has generated significant interest and debate among stakeholders. The proposed rule, which is expected to be finalized in the year 2024, would exempt data transactions that involve personal communications, importation and exportation of information or informational materials, the creation of a new product or service, and the use of a third-party service provider.

    Telecommunications Services and the Law

    The provision of telecommunications services is subject to various laws and regulations that govern the industry. These laws aim to ensure that telecommunications services are provided in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of telecommunications services and the law that governs them.

    The Role of the Law in Regulating Telecommunications Services

    The law plays a crucial role in regulating telecommunications services. It sets out the framework for the provision of these services, including the rights and obligations of service providers, consumers, and regulatory bodies. The law also provides a mechanism for resolving disputes and addressing complaints. Key aspects of the law that regulate telecommunications services include: + The Telecommunications Act + The Communications Act + The Consumer Protection Act + The Competition Act

    The Telecommunications Act

    The Telecommunications Act is a key piece of legislation that governs the provision of telecommunications services. It sets out the framework for the industry, including the rights and obligations of service providers, consumers, and regulatory bodies. The Act also provides a mechanism for resolving disputes and addressing complaints.

    The Proposed Rule: A Comprehensive Overview

    The proposed rule, aimed at strengthening the enforcement of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), sets a new standard for civil and criminal penalties for violations of the law. The rule, which is part of the Treasury Department’s efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, aims to deter and punish those who engage in illicit activities.

    Key Components of the Proposed Rule

  • The proposed rule establishes a new maximum civil penalty for violations of the BSA, which is set at $368,136 or twice the amount of the violating transaction, whichever is larger. Criminal violations could trigger fines of up to $1 million and imprisonment. The rule also provides for the imposition of additional penalties for certain types of violations, such as willful or reckless conduct. ### Impact on Financial Institutions*
  • Impact on Financial Institutions

    The proposed rule is expected to have a significant impact on financial institutions, particularly those that engage in high-risk activities.

    companies would be required to store data of U.S. citizens within the United States, with some exceptions for sensitive data.

    The Proposed Rule: A Significant Restriction on Cross-Border Data Transfers

    The proposed rule, which has been under consideration by the U.S. Department of Commerce, aims to restrict cross-border data transfers between the United States and other countries. This move has significant implications for U.S. companies that rely on international data transfers to operate their businesses.

    Background

    The current international data transfer regime is governed by the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the United States’ Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines. These regulations allow for the transfer of personal data across borders, but they also impose certain requirements and restrictions on data handlers.

    Key Provisions of the Proposed Rule

  • The proposed rule would require U.S. companies to store data of U.S. The rule would also impose strict requirements on data handlers, including the need for explicit consent from U.S. citizens before transferring their data abroad. The rule would apply to all types of data, including personal data, business data, and sensitive information.
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