Trump signed memo to allow use of cyber tools to target transnational criminal organizations, White House says

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memo on August 12 that aims to empower federal law enforcement to employ cyber tools against transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating abroad to target Americans. The White House stated that the federal government, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ), oversees private sector companies participating in the program.

These companies, once vetted, will conduct cyber surveillance and effects operations against specific targets, as directed by the U.S. government. The memo establishes a framework for companies to collaborate with private entities, as well as federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies, to gather threat information on TCOs and propose cyber operations to address these threats.

Participating firms must maintain a bond or escrow of at least $1 million. The idea of private sector entities participating in cyber operations against criminal targets has been controversial due to concerns about escalation, unintended consequences, and inter-agency coordination issues.