Us Congress House Bill HB5522

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/18/23
• Refer: 9/18/23

Caption

Combatting Foreign Surveillance Spyware Sanctions Act

Impact

If enacted, HB5522 would influence several aspects of U.S. law regarding foreign surveillance practices. The bill mandates that the President block transactions involving persons who are determined to engage in activities that compromise U.S. national security, effectively limiting the capacity of foreign entities to operate within the United States. Additionally, it establishes penalties for violations related to the misuse of foreign commercial spyware, thus reinforcing legal mechanisms to combat threats posed by such technology.

Summary

House Bill 5522, titled the Combatting Foreign Surveillance Spyware Sanctions Act, aims to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the proliferation or use of foreign commercial spyware that threaten the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States. The bill establishes a framework for the President to impose discretionary sanctions against those knowingly developing, maintaining, or selling spyware that can target United States government officials or personnel of the intelligence community. The aim is to deter improper uses of spyware, such as intimidation of opponents and suppression of civil liberties.

Contention

One significant point of contention surrounding HB5522 is the balance between national security interests and individual privacy rights. Critics may argue that such stringent measures could inadvertently impact legitimate technological transactions and rights to privacy under U.S. laws. Additionally, questions arise regarding the scope of enforcement and the definition of terms like 'foreign commercial spyware,' which may lead to concerns about overreach in the application of sanctions, particularly concerning its implications on international relations and trade.