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WASHINGTON: The United States has taken an unusual step in its fight against international cybercrime by allowing selected private companies to conduct government-approved hacking operations against foreign criminal organisations. President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the departments of Justice and Homeland Security to establish a framework under which approved private-sector partners can investigate, infiltrate and disrupt transnational cybercrime networks. The move is aimed at tackling growing threats including ransomware attacks, online fraud and so-called sextortion schemes. The White House said such crimes caused more than $20 billion in losses to Americans during 2025. Under the new framework, authorised companies could potentially infiltrate cybercriminals’ computer systems, deploy spyware or disrupt servers used to conduct criminal activities. However, each operation would require approval from the US government before any action is taken. Participating companies would also be required to provide a bond of at least $1 million. Operations involving actions that could cause death or physical injury would remain prohibited. Activities that could qualify as the use of force under international law would also be excluded. The initiative has drawn comparisons with privateering, a practice used centuries ago when governments authorised private vessels to attack or seize enemy ships. Supporters argue that private technology companies possess specialised cyber expertise and access to data that government agencies may not have. They believe combining those capabilities with government authority could help disrupt criminal networks more effectively. However, cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about accountability, oversight and the possibility of unintended consequences. Critics warn that allowing private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations could create diplomatic complications and make it difficult to control activities once they begin. The policy also represents a notable shift in the Trump administration’s previous position. Earlier this year, senior US officials had indicated that the government was not interested in using private companies to fight cybercriminals through offensive operations. It remains unclear what prompted the change in policy. Some cybersecurity specialists believe the programme contains important safeguards because operations will be conducted under government authorisation. Others remain concerned that existing oversight institutions may not be strong enough to monitor such activities effectively. The initiative could also expose participating technology companies to new risks. Experts warn that firms involved in government-sanctioned cyberattacks could become targets themselves and face retaliation from criminal groups or foreign governments. The Trump administration has 60 days to finalise the programme’s operational framework, while some details are expected to remain classified.

China has held direct discussions with Yemen’s Houthi movement in an effort to secure safe passage for its oil tankers through the southern Red Sea as regional tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. According to sources familiar with the talks, Beijing wants to ensure that vessels carrying energy supplies to China can travel without being targeted by attacks. The negotiations follow the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 that they would block access to Saudi Arabian ports, expanding their military campaign during the ongoing regional conflict. The group said it would target ships linked to Saudi ports, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and global energy supplies. Sources said China was among the first countries to contact the Houthis directly after the new restrictions were announced. Beijing reportedly requested guarantees that Chinese flagged or China bound tankers would be allowed to pass safely through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. A senior Iranian official was among those who confirmed that the discussions had taken place. China’s priority is to keep crude oil shipments moving from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea export terminals, particularly the port of Yanbu. Maintaining those supplies has become increasingly important as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have reduced the flow of Iranian oil through another key maritime route. Officials believe uninterrupted shipments from Saudi Arabia will help stabilize China’s energy imports during the regional crisis. Shipping data shows that at least four oil tankers carrying Saudi crude for China have successfully passed through the Bab el Mandeb Strait since the Houthis announced their blockade. Industry analysts said Chinese officials coordinated the passage of each vessel individually with the Houthi movement. Sources also indicated that both sides kept Iranian authorities informed throughout the process. At the same time, the Houthis have warned international shipping companies that vessels loading or unloading cargo at Saudi Arabian ports could become military targets. The warning has increased concerns among shipping operators, prompting some vessels to reconsider their planned routes. Two oil supertankers recently altered their journeys because of security fears. The New Champion, which was scheduled to load crude oil at Yanbu, and the New Prime, which was already carrying oil, both turned away from the Bab el Mandeb Strait and returned to open waters in the Gulf of Aden rather than continue through the high risk area. Last week, the Houthis claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla. Maritime security officials confirmed that the Encelia had been struck, adding to concerns over the safety of commercial vessels operating in the region. The Red Sea remains one of the world’s most important trade routes because it provides the shortest sea connection between Europe and Asia. A direct journey from Yanbu to Asian markets through the Bab el Mandeb Strait normally takes around 16 days. However, ships that avoid the route and instead travel through the Suez Canal before sailing around the southern tip of Africa face voyages lasting about 50 days, significantly increasing fuel costs and delivery times. Recent shipping data indicates that traffic through the Bab el Mandeb Strait has started to recover slightly despite ongoing security risks. Twenty eight vessels passed through the waterway on Monday, the highest daily total in four days, although traffic remained below the monthly peak recorded earlier in July. Of the 12 ships entering the Red Sea that day, four were oil tankers, showing that energy exports continue despite heightened regional tensions and continuing security concerns.