Bill · S. 4230· Senate(119-S-4230)
Protecting Stolen Encrypted Data Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/26/2026
- Last activity
- 3/26/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.
- Sponsored by
- Maggie Hassan
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Protecting Stolen Encrypted Data Act of 2026 requires the Federal Government to identify and address stolen sensitive data and classified information. The President, through the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, must develop strategies to identify if covered data and classified information are unlawfully held by foreign entities. These strategies must also determine if the data was encrypted or has been decrypted. Additionally, the President must develop strategies on how to address such stolen data. The Secretary and Director may attempt to destroy, manipulate, or recover data if it is determined to be in the economic and national security interest of the United States. Finally, a report on these strategies and actions must be submitted to Congress within one year.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+6
The bill requires the development of strategies to identify and address the theft of encrypted sensitive data and classified information.
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill protects the trade secrets and intellectual property of business owners held by foreign entities.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+3
The bill aims to protect the trade secrets and intellectual property of United States persons from foreign entities.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-3
The bill allows the government to manipulate or destroy personal data, which could infringe upon individual control over private information.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of personal and professional assets: The bill targets "covered data," which includes financial, medical, and biometric data, as well as intellectual property and trade secrets belonging to United States persons (Section 2(a)(2)).
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National and economic security measures: The Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence are authorized to attempt to destroy, manipulate, or recover stolen data if it serves the economic and national security interest of the United States (Section 2(b)(3)(A)).
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Transparency for data owners: The bill allows officials to inform lawful owners of their intent to take action on their data and to notify them once the destruction, manipulation, or recovery has been successfully completed (Section 2(b)(3)(B)(iii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Government intervention in private data: The Secretary and Director may attempt to "destroy, manipulate, or recover" covered data, which includes the intellectual property and trade secrets of United States persons (Section 2(b)(3)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights-3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- 3/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee