Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton has recently raised concerns over a contract between the Pentagon and a Chinese-owned tutoring company. The senator is demanding that the Pentagon disclose information on the contract, as the company has access to sensitive data of U.S. military families.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Sen. Cotton expressed his concerns about the contract between the Department of Defense and the Chinese company, TAL Education Group. The company, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, provides online tutoring services to military families stationed overseas.
Sen. Cotton highlighted the potential risks associated with the contract, stating that the Chinese government has a history of using companies to gather sensitive information from other countries. He also pointed out that TAL Education Group has been accused of data breaches and sharing personal information with the Chinese government in the past.
The senator’s demand for transparency comes at a time when tensions between the U.S. and China are at an all-time high. The Chinese government has been accused of engaging in cyber espionage and stealing sensitive information from the U.S. government and its citizens.
In his letter, Sen. Cotton stated, “Given the Chinese government’s track record of using companies to gather sensitive information, it is concerning that the Pentagon has entered into a contract with a Chinese-owned company that has access to personal data of U.S. military families.”
He also urged the Pentagon to take immediate action to protect the personal information of military families and to reconsider the contract with TAL Education Group.
The Pentagon has yet to respond to Sen. Cotton’s letter, but the senator’s concerns have sparked a debate on the security of sensitive data in the hands of foreign-owned companies.
The contract between the Pentagon and TAL Education Group was signed in 2019 and is worth $1.7 million. The company provides online tutoring services to military families stationed in Japan and South Korea.
The Pentagon has defended the contract, stating that the company does not have access to any classified information and that all necessary security measures have been taken to protect the personal data of military families.
However, Sen. Cotton argues that any access to personal information, no matter how small, is a cause for concern. He believes that the Pentagon should not take any chances when it comes to the security of sensitive data, especially in the hands of a Chinese-owned company.
The senator’s demand for transparency has received support from other lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who has also raised concerns about the contract with TAL Education Group.
In a statement, Sen. Rubio said, “The Chinese government and its proxies have a long history of using companies to gather sensitive information from other countries. It is alarming that the Pentagon has entered into a contract with a Chinese-owned company that has access to personal data of U.S. military families.”
The concerns raised by Sen. Cotton and other lawmakers highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight when it comes to contracts with foreign-owned companies, especially those with ties to the Chinese government.
The security of sensitive data is of utmost importance, especially when it involves military families who sacrifice so much for our country. It is crucial for the Pentagon to take all necessary measures to protect their personal information and to ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands.
In conclusion, Sen. Cotton’s demand for transparency regarding the contract between the Pentagon and TAL Education Group is a step in the right direction. It is essential for the government to prioritize the security of sensitive data and to take all necessary precautions to prevent any potential risks. The safety and well-being of our military families should always be a top priority, and we must do everything in our power to protect them.
