The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued updated guidance, a compliance FAQ, and an enforcement policy to support the rollout of a national security initiative aimed at preventing foreign adversaries from accessing U.S. government-related data and bulk sensitive personal information.

In a statement released Friday, the DOJ said its National Security Division (NSD) is leading the implementation of the Data Security Program, which aims to prevent countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and other nations of concern from exploiting sensitive U.S. data.

“The Data Security Program establishes what are effectively export controls that prevent foreign adversaries, and those subject to their control, jurisdiction, ownership, and direction, from accessing U.S. government-related data and bulk genomic, geolocation, biometric, health, financial, and other sensitive personal data,” DOJ said in a blog post.

The program is designed to counter threats such as surveillance, espionage, and the development of foreign AI and military capabilities that could jeopardize U.S. national security.

“If you’re a foreign adversary, why would you go through the trouble of complicated cyber intrusions and theft to get Americans’ data when you can just buy it on the open market or force a company under your jurisdiction to give you access? The Data Security Program makes getting that data a lot harder,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said.