Lawmakers Say Data-Broker Rules Omit White House, Congress And CIA
On Thursday, May 21, Sens. Ron Wyden and Martin Heinrich and Rep. Sara Jacobs warned that federal data-broker rules omit the White House, Congress and CIA headquarters, leaving them unprotected.[1]
The rules, in effect since April 2025, bar sales of location data tied to 736 GPS-designated sensitive sites to six countries: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela.[1] Wyden's office and the Congressional Research Service found the White House, Congress and CIA headquarters were not included on the protected list.[1]
The lawmakers urged regulators to create a protection zone covering the entire Washington, D.C. region and to expand the list of barred countries.[1] They said the omissions raised national security concerns.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, May 21, 2026, Sens. Ron Wyden and Martin Heinrich and Rep. Sara Jacobs issued a letter warning of gaps in federal data-broker rules.
- The rules, in effect since April 2025, restrict selling location data tied to 736 GPS-designated sensitive sites to China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela.
- Wyden’s office and the Congressional Research Service found the White House, Congress and CIA headquarters were not on the protected list.
- The lawmakers urged creating a protection zone covering the entire Washington, D.C. region and expanding the list of barred countries.
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