Episode 0002 - Bulk Sensitive Data Rule: How the U.S. is Locking Down Your Data

Imagine someone quietly copying everything inside your personal safe—your financial records, medical history, even your biometric data—and selling it to the highest bidder. Now, imagine that foreign adversaries are doing the same thing, but at scale, using bulk data for espionage, AI-driven cyber attacks, and blackmail.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Justice has rolled out the Bulk Sensitive Data Rule, a sweeping new rule set to take effect this April. In this episode of Midweek Sitrep, host Jerry Fowler breaks it all down:

• What this rule actually does and why it’s different from privacy laws like HIPAA and the CCPA.
• The six countries targeted (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba) and what this means for businesses, cloud providers, and AI companies.
• Real-world threats: How stolen data has already fueled Chinese military cyber ops, North Korean IT fraud schemes, and the Equifax hack.
• What businesses need to do to avoid DOJ fines, penalties, and criminal liability.
• Trump’s America First Strategy:Why this Biden-era rule isn’t going away—and how Trump will likely make it even tougher.

Plus, Jerry puts the following top national security stories on your radar:

• Trump’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine after a tense Oval Office meeting with Zelensky.
• U.S. Cyber Command halting offensive cyber operations against Russia—and what that means for geopolitical tensions.
• China’s Two Sessions meeting and what it signals for AI and military policy.
• TSMC’s massive $100 billion U.S. semiconductor investment and how it fits into America’s push for tech dominance.
• A major congressional update on China’s unfair trade practices—and how tariffs, sanctions, and economic policies are shifting under Trump.

If you work in data, AI, cybersecurity, compliance, or national security, this episode is a must-listen. The government is cracking down—and businesses that aren’t paying attention will pay the price.

Listen now and stay ahead of the curve.

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About the Host: Jerry Fowler

Jerry Fowler is an attorney and policy professional specializing in the intersection of business, law, and national security. He works with companies and their counsel to meet and exceed compliance obligations while navigating the complex national security regulatory landscape.

Jerry leads the CFIUS and National Security practice at a global risk consultancy where he applies his experience in export controls, sanctions, and U.S. national security regulatory regimes to advise clients on evaluating and mitigating global trade risk.

His experience spans over a decade across many capacities in state and federal government, including as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, federal attorney, and as a contract member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s CFIUS team. He also serves in the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate (Army lawyer).

He received his Master of Laws degree in National Security and Cybersecurity Law from the George Washington University Law School and his Juris Doctor degree from the West Virginia University College of Law. He also obtained his Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Florida, Warrington College of Business and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Concord University. He holds an Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification and is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and West Virginia.

Disclaimers: The