SEC’s Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules Are Here. Is Your Company Ready to Comply?
Companies are facing more attacks on their information systems. And, as their cyber risk skyrockets, the SEC has stepped in with new regulations, telling businesses what to disclose about these incidents — and requiring detailed disclosures on cyber risk management more broadly. With the deadline for compliance fast approaching, businesses are scrambling to mitigate their legal risk and comply with regulations that some say may be an overreach.
U.S. SEC Public Company Cybersecurity Disclosure Regulation Finalized With Swift Effective Date
On July 26, 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission finalized its rule on Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure by Public Companies (the Final Rule), which will become effective 30 days following publication in the Federal Register. The Final Rule applies to all public companies subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including foreign private issuers, smaller reporting companies, and business development companies, and will require disclosure of material cybersecurity incidents on Form 8-K and Form 20-F and periodic disclosure of cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance in annual reports on Form 10-K and Form 20-F.
U.S. Department of Commerce Seeks Input on AI Policy, Calls Trustworthy AI an Important Federal Objective
On April 13, 2023, the United States Department of Commerce National Telecommunication and Information Administration (“NTIA”) published a request for comment (“RFC”) seeking public input on Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) accountability. The RFC seeks to understand which measures—both self-regulatory and regulatory—have the capacity to ensure that AI systems are “legal, effective, ethical, safe, and otherwise trustworthy.” The RFC adopts a broad definition of “AI systems,” noting that they include all automated or algorithmic systems that generate predictions, recommendations, or decisions.
Governance Challenges 2021–2022: Digital Transformation Oversight
Privacy and cybersecurity concerns are expanding, and with them the proliferation of laws and regulations. Boards play a key role in ensuring that companies are positioned to comply with various jurisdictional requirements, that they understand and mitigate related risks, and that they are well-prepared to play a key role in response to security breaches and incidents. (more…)