A Shift in U. S. Tech Security Leadership

The U.S. Commerce Department has experienced a significant shift in leadership within its Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) office.

Key Changes and Concerns

• Elizabeth "Liz" Cannon, the former head of the ICTS office, has stepped down.
• The ICTS office, established in 2022, focuses on investigating threats to the supply chain from foreign adversaries, particularly China.

Policy Shifts and Controversies

Cannon's departure follows the department's decision to drop plans for restricting Chinese drones, raising concerns about potential risks to U.S. data security.

• The office has yet to address concerns about medium and heavy-duty truck exports.
• Despite finalizing rules under former President Joe Biden that barred Chinese passenger vehicles from the U.S. market, the ICTS office has not taken similar action on truck exports.

Future Directions and Questions

A spokesperson for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) stated that the bureau is committed to addressing national security risks from foreign technology.

• Recent staffing changes aim to strengthen the office and ensure it continues to serve the American people effectively.
• Sources indicate that Cannon would have been reassigned if she had not resigned.
• The new administration plans to appoint a political figure to the position.
• Her last day is expected to be February 20.

Implications for U.S. Tech Security

This leadership change raises questions about the direction of U.S. tech security policies.

• With a new administration in place, the focus on protecting the supply chain from foreign threats, particularly from China, may shift.
• The appointment of a political figure to head the ICTS office could signal a change in approach, potentially prioritizing political interests over technical expertise.