America Is Reviving Privateers To Fight Cybercrime

The U.S. is activating a constitutional power dormant for more than a century to enable “digital privateers” to help combat foreign cybercrime networks. After signing a National Security Presidential Memorandum on Aug. 12, President Trump approved a program allowing vetted American companies to carry out offensive cyber operations under federal oversight. The move responds to losses estimated at more than $20 billion annually, including state-sponsored crypto theft. Congress is advancing parallel bills—the Senate’s S. 5000 and the House’s H.R. 9697—that would authorize “Letters of Marque and Reprisal,” letting private entities disrupt targets and share in recovered proceeds. The concept draws on historical privateering precedents.