Technology (Digital Government)

The Stealth Bot Prohibition Act makes it illegal to use automated software, known as stealth bots, to access websites without revealing their identity or purpose. Specifically, the law bans deploying these bots in ways that harm online services and prohibits disguising them as human users when interacting with generative artificial intelligence systems. Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $53,000 per incident, which are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general. The bill defines a stealth bot as any program that scrapes or scans the internet without disclosing its nature or intended use to the website operator.

The Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act (HR 791) creates a new legal process for copyright holders to seek court orders blocking U.S. service providers from allowing access to foreign websites primarily designed for copyright infringement. Copyright owners must prove the foreign website is primarily for infringement, attempt to notify the website operator, and identify service providers that host the site before a court can issue a blocking order. Service providers must implement reasonable measures to block access within 15-20 days (or 7 days for live events) but aren't required to use specific technical methods. The bill includes protections for service providers who comply with orders and requires courts to publish order details publicly. It applies specifically to foreign websites operating outside the U.S. that meet the defined infringement criteria.

HRES 967 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's disapproval of European digital regulations like the EU's Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. It claims these laws unfairly burden American speech, innovation, and tech companies (citing examples like Meta and Alphabet), while harming U.S. workers and consumers. The resolution calls on the Trump administration to use diplomatic and economic tools to protect U.S. free speech rights and prevent foreign laws from undermining First Amendment principles. It also urges the Department of Justice and FTC to reject European antitrust principles and avoid cooperating with foreign enforcement of such regulations. This resolution directly affects American tech companies and free expression interests by framing European policies as a threat to U.S. digital freedoms.

S 1754 prohibits U.S. research institutions, federal agencies, and U.S. companies receiving federal funds from collaborating with specific Chinese entities linked to China's military-civil fusion strategy. It restricts partnerships in key technology areas like semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, as listed on a government website. Covered entities must annually report all Chinese research ties, and violations risk losing future federal funding. The bill targets entities including PLA-connected universities, military-linked companies, and those with Chinese government ownership.