ChinaTalk DOJ vs Data Espionage
Apr 18, 2024
Devin DeBacker and Lee Licata from the DOJ tackle urgent national security concerns as they focus on protecting American data from foreign threats. They reveal how adversaries might exploit obscure data types like geolocation and genomic information. The discussion highlights China's purchase of sensitive genomic data and the challenges posed by black box data brokers. They also share insights on new regulatory plans for data protection and the potential hurdles posed by political gridlock in Congress.
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Data Flows as National Security
- The US government's focus on data flows as a national security issue emerged about a decade ago.
- This shift coincided with a change in the geopolitical landscape and increased awareness of data risks.
Front Door vs. Back Door
- Foreign adversaries exploit readily available commercial data.
- Regulations aim to make data acquisition costlier, forcing adversaries to use harder methods.
Genomic Data Sensitivity
- Genomic data is uniquely sensitive because it's persistent and reveals vulnerabilities.
- The IC warns about China's misuse of genetic data to repress communities.