Trump administration wants to allow companies to hack foreign cybercriminals

The Trump administration is pushing a new program that would allow some U.S. companies to pursue government-selected foreign cybercriminals, a role traditionally handled by government agencies. Announced in a late Wednesday memo, the plan would authorize private businesses to conduct activities such as intelligence gathering or disruptive cyber operations, but it does not explicitly explain how it would let companies lead tasks similar to spying. U.S. anti-hacking laws generally bar hacking of digital infrastructure, though exceptions exist for law enforcement; the memo does not change those laws. Companies would need federal contracts with the Department of Justice or Homeland Security, face “rigorous vetting,” and the government would keep $1 million if obligations aren’t met.