Tech, Law & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law

The Justice Department gives us a first glimpse into the workings of its recently renewed CLOUD Act agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom in a first-of-its-kind report to Congress. Advisory Board Member Richard Salgado discusses some early successes, unexpected shortcomings, and several significant issues that must be addressed by policymakers. In light of recent reports that the U.K. is aggressively pursuing Apple in another attack on encryption, it also highlights the necessity of fortifying such agreements to fulfill the aims of the CLOUD Act and protect cybersecurity and national interests. Read more below. #TLSPublications #TLSInTheNews https://loom.ly/5QVB0Bg

Save The Date! September 15 - 17, 2025 Upwards of 100 States, either directly or through regional organizations, have now weighed in on the important questions of whether and how international law applies to cyber operations. While some concordance of views is evident, significant areas of discordance have emerged as well. The relatively unprecedented and growing use of national statements—in the form of official speeches, papers, or contributions to United Nations processes—to express States’ views has also raised questions about their normative function and whether the views offered are creating, intentionally or not, a form of lex specialis of international law tailored to the cyber and information context. And if not, what normative implications do these emerging positions have for the interpretation and application of international law rules outside of the cyber context? What are the implications of states remaining silent on certain issues, or not issuing positions at all? At the same time, cyber and information conflict has not abated, and the pace, sophistication, and impact of these threats will only increase with the introduction of artificial intelligence and other technological advances. How international law responds to these developments, especially at a time of heightened instability, should remain at the top of States’ agendas. The Tech, Law, & Security Program (TLS) is excited to once again host our annual symposium at the American University Washington College of Law on September 15-17, 2025 in partnership with: Lieber Institute for Law and Warfare, West Point, Federmann Cyber Security Center Cyber Law Program, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, NUS Centre for International Law and NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). The Fourth Annual Symposium on Cyber and International Law—Navigating Emerging Gaps & Seams, will again bring together leading experts from across the globe to address this timely and important topic. Register early here: https://lnkd.in/eXSM_Hj6

?? Advisory Board Member Richard Salgado’s latest article with Lawfare examines how people rely on service providers to safeguard their data—including resisting improper surveillance demands. The DOJ’s “moot and scoot” tactic, however, undermines this gatekeeping role and keeps challenges out of sight.?Read more below. #TLSPublications #Privacy #TLS

Today is AUWCL Giving Day, and we have an incredible opportunity to double our impact! A generous anonymous donor is matching all donations to the Tech, Law, and Security Program, up to $10,000. Donations allow us to continue our work tackling critical issues at the intersection of technology, law, and national security—equipping students, scholars, and practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate today’s most pressing challenges. Your support helps fund research, student initiatives, and events that drive meaningful conversations and policy advancements. ?? Donate today and double your impact! ?? https://loom.ly/nHp-Muc #AUWCLGivingDay #TechLawSecurity #TLS

Earlier this month, Associate Program Director Laura Draper participated in a panel discussion at the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, coordinated by the Atlantic Council and hosted at the University of Texas at Austin. The event occurred less than a week after the Chinese company DeepSeek launched its latest AI models, and so the conversation naturally turned to AI and national security. The Biden Administration emphasized AI safety, whereas the current administration has pivoted to prioritize innovation. Although not mutually exclusive, safety and innovation are often in tension with one another—what is the right balance? Draper shared her thoughts on this issue in the latest installment of The Legal Code, TLS's biweekly newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter to hear from the TLS team on current issues and to learn about upcoming events here: https://loom.ly/GDtFs3Q.

In the digital age, laws written decades ago still shape how we understand privacy, surveillance, and online rights. But what happens when legal definitions fail to keep up with evolving technology? This article from Senior Researcher Shanzay Pervaiz explores how outdated legal terminology distorts policy debates and leaves critical gaps in digital governance. Read more here: https://loom.ly/Jy7R5a0

Associate Program Director Laura Draper joined Dean Bobby Chesney (UT Austin School of Law), Brock Dahl (Freshfields), and moderator Francesca Lockhart (Strauss Center) for a keynote panel discussing AI, national security, and cyber policy. The panel closed out the first day of the two-day Austin Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, hosted by the Strauss Center in partnership with the Atlantic Council's Cyber Statecraft Initiative. Draper also served as a judge, and saw several fantastic teams from across the country compete! #TLSInTheNews

Important questions from Senior Project Director Alex Joel prior to Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence. #TLSInTheNews

Important insights by Senior Project Direct Alex Joel on the importance of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board in executing the EU-US Privacy Framework and overall intelligence oversight.

Make sure to take a look at Senior Project Director Alex Joel’s newest article on Just Security tackling the challenges and opportunities faced by the IC in 2025 and beyond. #TLSPublications