United States of America: Introduced RESTRICT Act (S 686)

On 7 March 2023, the “Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology (RESTRICT) Act” (S 686) was introduced in the US Senate, aiming to address risks posed by foreign information communications and technology products on national security. In particular, the Act would require the Secretary of Commerce to establish procedures to identify and stop transactions involving information and communications technology products in which foreign adversaries have an interest and which pose national security risks. The Secretary of Commerce would also be required to prioritise such a process in relation to critical infrastructure or certain emerging, foundational, and disruptive technologies with serious national security implications.