September 17, 2024 at 08:45AM
The U.S. Department of Treasury has imposed sanctions on Intellexa Consortium executives and entities involved in the development and distribution of Predator spyware. The consortium is described as an international network of companies selling invasive spyware. The action follows a resurgence of Predator spyware activity and Apple’s decision to dismiss its lawsuit against NSO Group.
The meeting notes indicate that the U.S. Department of Treasury has imposed fresh sanctions against executives and entities with ties to the Intellexa Consortium for their role in the development, operation, and distribution of a commercial spyware called Predator. The department described the consortium as a “complex international web of decentralized companies” that built and commercialized highly invasive spyware products. The sanctions are aimed at holding accountable those who enable the proliferation of exploitative technologies while encouraging the responsible development of technologies that align with international standards. The notes also mention a resurgence of Predator spyware activity, changes in its infrastructure setup, and Apple’s decision to file a motion to dismiss its lawsuit against NSO Group.