DOJ Proposes First Major Updates in Decades to Foreign Influence Disclosure Rules
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The DOJ is expected to propose major updates to foreign influence disclosure rules next month, the first in decades. This could reshape regulations around the WWII-era Foreign Agents Registration Act.
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Potential changes include updates to the commercial and Lobbying Disclosure Act exemptions, requiring more foreign agents to register their activities. This could significantly expand the number of registrants.
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The rules may also update guidance around labeling online "informational materials" from foreign agents, requiring more prominent disclaimers of foreign influence.
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Some experts question whether new rules will uncover truly disruptive foreign influence operations in the modern digital era.
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Changes face pushback from the business community, which argues that increased disclosure under FARA could detrimentally impact investment and economic activity.