House members push bill limiting government access to e-mails stored overseas

Reps Tom Marino (R-PA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) are introducing the Law Enforcement Access to Data Stored Abroad Act, a proposal to bolster email privacy and set limits on the government's access to content stored overseas. The bill is identical to the one introduced in the Senate by Sen Orrin Hatch (R-UT) earlier in February. Under the change, the government could use a warrant to get access only to Americans’ data stored overseas, not from foreigners. But a US company could fight the government order if it would violate the foreign country’s laws.

"US companies need clear guidelines on when they have to turn over electronic communications to law enforcement if that information is stored abroad. The current uncertainty harms US businesses and their customers, and does not well-serve our foreign relationships,” Rep DelBene said.