Washington — Senators Coons, D-Del., Daines, R-Mont., Wyden, D-Ore., and Lee, R-Utah, introduced the Review the Rule Act today that would temporarily stop the government from gaining new hacking powers until the new Congress has an opportunity to review the changes. Congress would need to pass the bill within the next couple weeks to prevent the changes to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure from taking effect December 1.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association has testified on surveillance overreach for the past decade and has deep concerns that the pending expansion of government hacking authority might take effect without Congressional review and debate.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“Expanding surveillance authority to allow the U.S. government to hack multiple computers in unknown locations, including computers overseas, with a single warrant has far-reaching consequences for U.S. citizens and citizens around the world. This policy impacts the relationship between citizens and our government and between the U.S. and allies.
“Such a significant expansion of government surveillance powers merits careful consideration by Congress. We thank Senator Coons and his allies for their initiative and encourage members of Congress to support this opportunity to closely examine the executive branch’s plan to expand its hacking powers.”