Biden’s Executive Order to Safeguard Americans’ Sensitive Data from Foreign Governments

The Biden administration is preparing to take action against hostile foreign governments exploiting Americans’ personal data, a move aimed at safeguarding national security and privacy. An executive order is in the works to restrict the access of foreign governments to sensitive personal data, such as cellphone location data, genetic information, and health records. The order seeks to address the increasing threat posed by foreign intelligence services using online platforms to gather personal data on US government employees. Concerns have been raised about the sale and trade of intimate personal information online, which can be purchased by US adversaries like China. It is feared that this data could be used for surveillance purposes and pose privacy risks to ordinary citizens. Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, welcomed the administration’s move, highlighting the need to protect Americans’ data from being sent to foreign countries without strong privacy rules. He emphasized the importance of including data held by US subsidiaries of foreign companies in the executive order, citing popular social media platform TikTok as an example. Data brokers that engage in the trade of personal information are a major concern in this context. These brokers can acquire sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, addresses, income, employment history, and criminal backgrounds. While this information can be used for legitimate purposes like background and credit checks, it can also be exploited for surveillance by unauthorized entities. In a study conducted by Duke University, it was found that the apparent home addresses and health conditions of active-duty US military personnel could be easily purchased online from data brokers. Experts underline the need to establish a regulatory regime and risk assessment criteria to mitigate the risks associated with data transactions and activities. The Biden administration’s forthcoming executive order aims to tackle these challenges head-on, enhancing national security and safeguarding Americans’ personal information. As the order nears finalization, its implications and potential impact on foreign governments’ exploitation of personal data remain to be seen.