Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal Act

This bill, titled the Cyber Letters of Marque and Reprisal Act, authorizes the President to issue official commissions to private companies and individuals to conduct specific cyber operations against foreign cyberthreats. Under this program, private holders would be permitted to perform tasks such as collecting intelligence, recovering stolen data, disrupting malicious networks, and seizing digital assets located outside the United States. To participate, recipients must post a security bond, maintain detailed records of their activities for at least five years, and adhere to strict rules prohibiting attacks on U.S. citizens or entities. The legislation also establishes a bounty system where recovered funds can be used to reward private operators and informants, with a portion of seized assets potentially funding future operations or victim compensation. Additionally, the act provides legal protection for private holders from lawsuits regarding actions explicitly authorized by their commission.