The US Department of State has taken action against individuals involved in the development and sale of commercial spyware, imposing visa restrictions on them. The move is part of a broader effort to address the misuse of this technology, which has been used to target journalists, human rights defenders, and government officials.
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| The US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on individuals involved in the development and sale of commercial spyware, targeting those who have misused this technology against journalists, human rights defenders, and government officials. |
Washington, USA - September 21, 2024:
In a significant move to combat the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware, the United States Department of State has announced new visa restrictions on individuals involved in its development and sale. These restrictions are part of a broader effort by the US government to counter the harmful effects of this technology, which has been used to target journalists, human rights defenders, and government officials worldwide.
The latest action follows previous steps taken by the US government to address the issue, including financial sanctions against entities involved in the Intellexa Spyware Consortium and a joint statement with other countries condemning its misuse. By imposing visa restrictions, the US aims to hold individuals accountable for facilitating or benefiting from the misuse of commercial spyware.
The restrictions are based on the Immigration and Nationality Act and are part of a policy announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this year. This is the second set of visa restrictions imposed since the policy was announced, demonstrating the US government's commitment to taking decisive action against those involved in this harmful practice.
The move is expected to have a significant impact on the development and sale of commercial spyware, as it sends a clear message that the US will not tolerate its misuse. It also highlights the increasing international concern over the potential for this technology to be used for malicious purposes. As the global landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that the US and other countries will continue to take steps to address the challenges posed by commercial spyware.