H.R. 5501 · 117th Congress
Ransom Disclosure Act
- Stage
- In committee
- Sponsor
- Deborah Ross
- Introduced
- 2021-10-05
- Latest action
- 2021-10-06 · Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
Summary
Ransom Disclosure Act
This bill requires certain entities to disclose ransom payments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Specifically, within 48 hours of paying a ransom, disclosure must be made to DHS by any entity that (1) is engaged in interstate commerce, (2) is engaged in an activity affecting interstate commerce, or (3) receives federal funds.
DHS must publish annually information disclosed, including the total dollar amount paid, without revealing identifying information.
DHS must conduct a study to determine if there are commonalities with respect to the information disclosed and the extent to which cryptocurrency has facilitated the kinds of attacks that resulted in such payments.
DHS must establish a website through which individuals may voluntarily report the payment of a ransom by the individual.