Technology, Security, and Global Affairs

Sina Kian, Fellow in the Strauss Center’s Program on Technology, Security, and Global Affairs, recently published a two-part series on the fundamentals of cryptocurrencies. Part 1 explains why cryptocurrencies are an essential part of how blockchains work — and why Americans should care about fostering a policy and business environment that allows blockchain innovation to flourish. Part 2 discussed whether cryptocurrencies should be considered “securities” under the federal securities laws. Kian notes that, in most cases, “the structure of the securities laws is inconsistent with applying them to decentralized cryptocurrencies.”  The piece concludes by…

Adam Klein, Director of the Strauss Center’s Program on Technology, Security, and Global Affairs and former Chairman of the U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), recently published an article on Just Security entitled “Surveillance and Privacy Scholars: Four Things the Government Needs From You.”   In the article, Klein draws on his recent time in government to suggest four areas where new ideas from surveillance and privacy scholars are needed to help improve policy:  1. Screening and vetting programs, such the Secure Flight program operated by TSA, which quietly screen millions of…

Adam Klein, Director of the Strauss Center’s Program on Technology, Security, and Global Affairs and Deputy Director of the Strauss Center, joined the Lawfare Podcast with Jacob Schulz and Benjamin Wittes to discuss the Justice Department inspector general’s recent report on the FBI’s mishandling of FISA applications. The podcast discusses the roles of FBI and the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court in monitoring suspected foreign agents inside the United States. Klein also discusses the history of FISA and why it has become so controversial in recent years, along with possible reforms to…

Adam Klein, Director of the Strauss Center’s Program on Technology, Security, and Global Affairs, as well as the Deputy Director, and former Chairman of the U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), was recently featured in a Lawfare Live episode with Benjamin Wittes. In this episode, Klein dives into his experience as Chairman of the PCLOB, paying special attention to his review of applications for electronic surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Service Act (FISA). Klein and Wittes also discuss a white paper Klein recently published on the same topic.  Klein began the conversation by explaining…