The Commerce Department Unveils Revised Guidelines for Secure Drone Supply Chains

Blissful New Yr, all! As a new year begins, I am pleased to provide an update on my work situation.

Following discussions with Trade regarding the Data and Communications Expertise and Companies (ICTS) programme at Commerce, I outline two approaches through which we will leverage our ICTS capabilities. Researching specific entities involved in ICTS transactions allows for the assessment of their potential ties to an international adversary, thereby identifying any excessive risks posed to the United States through their participation in such transactions? nationwide safety. In cases where we perceive an unacceptable level of risk, we will either prevent the transaction from proceeding or implement safeguards to minimize potential harm. The United States will employ the International Civilian Trafficking Screening (ICTS) authority to manage a category of ICTS deemed to pose an unreasonable threat to national security or public safety, thereby ensuring the protection of American interests and upholding international norms. Nationwide security concerns arise when the Innovative Communications Technology System (ICTS) is provided by an entity with a connection or affiliation to an international adversary? In order to regulate the classification of Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS), we propose introducing a set of guidelines that address this issue effectively. During the past month, OICTS has demonstrated considerable activity across all fronts.

In early December, we finalized the remaining ICTS rule, supplanting a temporary measure that took effect in January 2021 and has remained in place ever since. The ultimate rule outlines the standardized procedures governing the review of explicit entities and their information and communication technology systems (ICTS) transactions. The revised rule introduces several crucial updates, encompassing the consolidation of scientific data across the rule’s scope, defining the knowledge sources the Secretary of Commerce may consider when making preliminary and final determinations, and refining record-keeping requirements for transactional events. These guidelines will inform our individual investigator activities moving forward. Within the next 12 months, we expect to conclude various investigations and publicly disclose the definitive findings that will follow these outcomes, much like our announcement in June regarding Kaspersky Lab Inc.

We have also published in the Federal Register an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), inviting public comment. We’re initiating an investigation into UAS by posing a series of queries to gain a deeper understanding of the critical ICT components, potential risks associated with UAS, and the international adversaries’ presence throughout the supply chain. For all stakeholders holding equity in this property, kindly provide your input and insights. Your thoughtful input significantly contributes to our deliberations regarding the regulatory framework for managing international rival interference in this trade. This ANPRM has undergone significant improvements over several months, preceding the initiation of any drone exercises in both New Jersey and New York.

In early December, my colleagues and I embarked on a trip to Asia, visiting Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, where we engaged with local counterparts to discuss the development of our ICTS programme. The conferences have proven incredibly fruitful, and I’m eagerly anticipating further collaborations with like-minded nations in the year ahead.

Last Rule

ANPRM