U.S. Will Let Vetted Private Firms Conduct Offensive Cyber Operations Against Criminal Gangs

The White House announced on August 13, 2026 that vetted private companies may, for the first time, conduct offensive cyber operations—including spyware surveillance and disruptive attacks—against transnational criminal organizations, under a presidential memorandum signed by President Trump. The policy departs from federal hacking laws that broadly prohibited such private activity. Operational guidance is due within two months.