In a notable shift from previous years, the Democratic National Committee has approved a new party platform that minimally addresses cybersecurity. This decision contrasts with the 2020 platform, which featured multiple mentions of cyber issues. The new platform has raised questions about the party’s commitment to addressing cyber threats, especially given the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. The platform’s limited focus on cybersecurity stands in stark contrast to its extensive coverage of data privacy and consumer protection.
Comparing the new platform to the 2020 version, the earlier document contained five explicit references to cyber issues, while the latest iteration includes only two vague mentions. The Republican platform for 2024 also has minimal references to cyber concerns, focusing more on protecting critical infrastructure from malicious actors. Cybersecurity experts have expressed disappointment with the scant attention the issue has received in both party platforms, highlighting its importance for national security.
Privacy Takes Center Stage
Despite the lack of focus on cybersecurity, the Democratic platform does place significant emphasis on data privacy. The document outlines initiatives to protect consumer data from commercial data brokers, foreign intelligence operations, and identity thieves. Furthermore, it advocates for updating and passing the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act to safeguard personal and location information.
Cybersecurity Experts Weigh In
Mark Montgomery, senior director at the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, expressed disappointment over the limited cyber mentions in the Democratic platform. However, he pointed out that party platforms often do not hold significant weight. Montgomery noted that the Biden administration has made considerable efforts in cybersecurity over the past four years, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure.
Bruce McConnell, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center, echoed similar sentiments, noting that cybersecurity does not typically receive much attention in party platforms because it is not a politically divisive issue. He suggested that the real focus on cybersecurity will likely come from whoever wins the election, regardless of the platform’s specifics.
Norma Krayem, vice president and chair of cybersecurity at Van Scoyoc Associates, added that the omission of extensive cyber mentions does not necessarily indicate a shift in priorities for the Harris-Walz ticket. She highlighted that party platforms are often compromises and that privacy concerns are becoming more prominent due to growing cyber risks. Krayem also mentioned that the GOP platform signals a potential for more stringent cyber requirements if Trump wins the election.
The sparse mentions of cybersecurity in the 2024 Democratic platform have sparked discussions among experts and policymakers about the party’s commitment to addressing digital threats. While the platform does prioritize data privacy, the lack of detailed cyber policies raises questions about how the party plans to tackle cybersecurity challenges. Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, it remains to be seen how both parties will address these issues in practice, beyond the scope of their official platforms.
