Comments Invited on new FARA Regulations
On January 2, 2025, the United States Department of Justice announced new guidelines for reporting political activities of foreign states and political organizations. The new guidelines, entitled Amending and Clarifying Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Regulations, are in draft form and open to the public for comment until March 3, 2025.
The original statute was intended to provide transparency to Americans about the influence of foreign states in American politics, and is being updated to address the threats of the modern day.
The focus of the updates are exemptions for non-political actors, such as embassies and charitable organizations, from typical reporting requirements. Regardless of their commercial status or foreign status, many parties will now be exempt from reports under the FARA law, with certain types of acts and actors not exempt.
Under the proposed rule changes, parties that exist on behalf of or to benefit the interests of a foreign government or political party will not be exempt. Agents that work with foreign organizations such as embassies will now be exempt unless their actions are primarily directed towards increasing the influence or political goals of foreign governments or political parties. By John Capwell, legal assistant, Berliner Corcoran & Rowe LLP, Washington, DC.
Thu, / Embassy Law Link