The Trump administration is proposing a policy that would allow private companies to hack foreign cybercriminals, according to NPR, though a White House memorandum outlining the idea remains thin on details.
Key facts
- A White House memorandum proposes allowing private businesses to hack foreign cybercriminals.
- The policy would let companies sabotage or spy on certain foreign actors.
- The memorandum is described as thin on details.
- The report was published by NPR on August 15, 2026.
The Trump administration is weighing a policy that would permit private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign cybercriminals, according to a report by NPR.
At the center of the proposal is a White House memorandum that, according to NPR, aims to give private businesses the ability to sabotage or spy on certain foreign actors. The move would represent a significant shift in how the United States approaches private-sector involvement in cybersecurity.
NPR reported that the memorandum is thin on details, leaving open key questions about how such a policy would work in practice, which companies would be eligible, and what safeguards or oversight might apply.
The idea of allowing private entities to conduct so-called offensive cyber activity — sometimes referred to as “hacking back” — has long been debated among policymakers and security experts. Traditionally, offensive cyber operations have been the domain of government agencies.
Because the memorandum lacks specifics, the practical scope of the proposal and its timeline for implementation are not yet clear from the reporting available. NPR’s account focuses on the administration’s stated aim rather than a finalized framework.
As of the report, further details about the memorandum’s provisions, the targeted foreign actors, and any legal or regulatory changes required to enact the policy had not been outlined publicly.
Why it matters
Allowing private companies to hack foreign cybercriminals would mark a major change in U.S. cybersecurity policy, blurring the traditional line between government and private-sector offensive operations. Such a shift raises questions about oversight, accountability, and the risk of escalation in cyberspace that could affect businesses and consumers alike.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Trump administration's proposal do?
According to NPR, a White House memorandum aims to give private businesses the ability to sabotage or spy on certain foreign actors.
How detailed is the proposal?
NPR reported that the memorandum is thin on details.
Who would be allowed to hack under the proposal?
The reporting indicates the policy would apply to private companies targeting foreign cybercriminals, but further specifics were not outlined in the available source.