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Read. Follow. Verify.Hearing on Cybersecurity and Export Controls
Record date · January 1, 2017
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What This Bill Does
This document is a transcript record of a joint congressional hearing held on January 12, 2016, regarding the intersection of cybersecurity and international export control agreements. The hearing examined how the —a multilateral export control regime—impacts the regulation of cybersecurity software and tools.
The hearing addresses how federal export regulations affect the ability of cybersecurity researchers and companies to share software tools internationally, which directly impacts the speed of global vulnerability discovery and digital security.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Cybersecurity researchers
Export controls can restrict the ability to share software tools and vulnerability research across international borders.
Technology companies
Companies must comply with federal export regulations when distributing cybersecurity software internationally.
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on January 12, 2016, by two House subcommittees.
- The primary subject was the impact of the Wassenaar Arrangement on cybersecurity export controls.
- The Wassenaar Arrangement is a multilateral agreement governing the export of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
- Witnesses included officials from the Department of State, Department of Commerce, and the Department of Homeland Security.
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- The hearing record is identified as Serial No. 114-102 for the Oversight Committee and Serial No. 114-49 for the Homeland Security Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Cybersecurity as Dual-Use
The hearing highlights the transition of cybersecurity tools from purely commercial software to items categorized as 'dual-use' under international export regimes.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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