{
  "id": 970355,
  "title": "Wild, Wild Web: Trump legalises corporate ‘privateering’ in cyberspace",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/wild-wild-web-trump-legalises-corporate-privateering-in-cyberspace",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-15T04:37:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/08/15/wild-wild-web-trump-legalises-corporate-privateering-in-cyberspace/231445"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "San Francisco, August 15 - President Donald Trump signed a memorandum permitting private companies to engage in cyberattacks against transnational criminal organizations, a move that experts view with both promise and caution. The US government aims to curb the damage inflicted by ransomware, \"sextortion,\" and online fraud, which totaled over US$20 billion in 2025. The memorandum authorizes private entities to intercept hackers' servers or implant spyware within their systems, but all actions must be sanctioned by government authorities. Bonds of at least US$1 million are required for each operation. The White House draws parallels between this approach and 18th century \"privateering,\" in which governments sanctioned private ships for attacking enemy vessels. However, cybersecurity experts remain divided on the efficacy and potential consequences of this unprecedented measure.\n\nThe program represents a departure from the White House's previous stance, which deemed cooperation with private entities in combating cybercriminals undesirable. A former federal prosecutor and head of policy and government affairs at TRM Labs, Ari Redbord, embraces the historical comparison to maritime privateering, citing the shift in oversight from the port to the operation's execution. In contrast, cybersecurity professor Alan Woodward expresses skepticism, arguing that the administration cannot ensure obedience to its directives, as was the case in maritime privateering. The program introduces some safeguards, such as the requirement for prior approval and a bond ensuring operational integrity. However, cybersecurity experts worry that the administration's recent weakening of oversight organizations may undermine the program's success.\n\nUS tech companies, already actively involved in cybersecurity efforts, would gain additional leverage through this program, which operates under government oversight without judicial review. Past cybersecurity professionals under the Bush administration share concerns about the potential risks, noting that participation in government-sanctioned hacking will transform private companies into targets themselves. The Trump administration has 60 days to finalize the program's specifics, while some aspects remain classified. Ultimately, Washington must weigh the costs of this initiative against potential misattributions, foreign prosecutions, and diplomatic repercussions. Cybercrimes persist despite efforts to combat them, emphasizing the urgency of finding effective solutions.",
  "summary": "SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 15 — The United States will allow private companies to hack foreign cybercriminal groups, a see...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}