April 23, 2024 at 11:44AM
The US Department of State has initiated visa restrictions on 13 individuals and their families linked to commercial spyware operations, aiming to combat the proliferation and misuse of spyware. This aligns with broader efforts, including export controls and sanctions, to address the misuse of spyware. The Biden Administration has issued an Executive Order and worked with other governments to establish guiding principles for preventing human rights abuses related to surveillance technology. Additionally, European spyware companies have been added to the Entity List due to their involvement in trafficking exploits. Apple and Google have also reported mercenary spyware attacks targeting their devices.
Summary of Meeting Notes:
– The Department of State has implemented visa restrictions on individuals involved in commercial spyware operations.
– This action is taken pursuant to Section 212 (a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude those whose entry may have adverse foreign policy consequences for the U.S.
– The visa restriction policy was announced by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in February and targets misuse of commercial spyware linked to human rights abuses and national security risks.
– The Biden Administration issued an Executive Order to prevent the use of surveillance tools that pose risks to foreign policy interests or national security.
– The State Department has taken steps such as adding European spyware companies to the Entity List and addressing “mercenary spyware attacks” reported by Apple.
– Other measures include collaborating with other governments under the Freedom Online Coalition and addressing exploits targeting Google products and Android devices.
Please let me know if you need further details or specific action items derived from these meeting notes.