Trump administration authorizes firms to hack cybercrime

⚡ Executive Digest (3-Minute Breakdown)

• What Happened: The Trump administration launched a program authorizing vetted U.S. companies to conduct cyber surveillance and offensive operations against foreign transnational cybercrime groups, under a presidential memorandum directing a new National Coordination Center framework. The initiative builds on a March executive order seeking greater private-sector involvement in combating cybercrime. Officials argue American firms possess significant offensive cyber capabilities that have previously been underused against online criminal networks targeting U.S. interests. Companies must obtain written approval for each operation, with strict limits on actions that could cause serious harm or resemble armed attacks. Safeguards require halting and reporting activities affecting U.S. persons or threatening critical infrastructure.
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