Cyber Nominee Questioned on Biden Administration’s Ties to Tech Companies

President Biden’s approach to the intersection of the public and private sectors in cyberspace has raised concerns among Republicans. They worry that the administration’s future digital security policies may put online freedoms at risk.

During a Senate hearing, Sen. Josh Hawley pressed nominee Harry Coker on whether he would resist using the National Cyber Director position to pressure social media companies into censoring speech. Coker, a former employee of the National Security Agency and CIA, is Biden’s nominee to oversee federal cyber policy.

Coker assured Sen. Hawley that he supports First and Fourth Amendment rights, stating that he sees no role for the ONCD in restricting speech. Hawley acknowledged this stance and expressed his concern about cybersecurity being used as a justification for online censorship by tech giants.

While Coker opposes government-directed digital censorship, he made it clear that the Biden administration intends to continue working closely with private technology firms. The administration has formed partnerships between law enforcement, national security agencies, and cybersecurity professionals from the private sector to combat hackers through the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative.

Coker views private cybersecurity firms as frontline fighters in the battle against cyber threats, comparing their role to a combatant command. He believes that the ONCD and other federal government entities should support these firms.

Federal cyber officials prefer to avoid describing their collaboration with private firms as offensive operations or akin to military action. They fear that such characterizations would invite cyber attackers to target civilian networks.

Ambassador Nathaniel C. Fick, the former leader of the State Department’s cyberspace bureau, emphasized the need for the government to have monopoly power over the legitimate use of force in American society. He urged businesses not to engage in fights that only the government can resolve.

If confirmed, Coker will play a significant role in implementing the Biden administration’s national cybersecurity strategy, which includes anticipated regulations for businesses.