The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)’s new data security rule went into effect April 8, 2025. The rule creates what are effectively export controls and requires companies to take measures to prevent U.S. sensitive personal and government-related data from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries. The rule targets transactions (including data brokerage, vendor agreements, employment agreements, and investment agreements) involving access to bulk sensitive personal data or government-related data when those transactions involve identified covered persons or countries of concern (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela). Continue Reading DOJ Announces 90-Day Grace Period for Companies to Comply with New Data Security Rules on Foreign Adversary Access to U.S. Sensitive Data

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury and Department of Justice issued another Tri-seal Compliance Note, focusing this time on the obligations of foreign based persons complying with U.S. sanctions and export control laws as well as recent enforcement actions. This may signal more scrutiny on the compliance of foreign companies which we have discussed here.Continue Reading Guidance to Foreign Companies on Export Controls and Sanctions: Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and Justice Issue Tri-Seal Compliance Note on Foreign Based Persons’ Obligations to Comply with U.S. Sanctions and Export Control Laws

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a series notable advisory opinions outlining how some typical activities of law firms, consultants, and corporate legal departments may require registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Some of the more interesting opinions are summarized here:
Continue Reading The Professional Services Firm as Foreign Agent: Notable FARA Advisory Opinions