World Govs, Tech Giants Sign Spyware Responsibility Pledge

February 6, 2024 at 03:16PM Dozens of countries, including France, the UK, and the US, and tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft, have joined forces to combat the misuse of commercial spyware violating human rights. The coalition aims to establish guidelines and transparency in the development and use of these cyber-intrusion capabilities. The initiative … Read more

Google Links Over 60 Zero-Days to Commercial Spyware Vendors

February 6, 2024 at 06:18AM A recent report from Google revealed that over 60 zero-day vulnerabilities in Apple, Adobe, Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla products since 2016 are linked to commercial spyware vendors. These companies allegedly aid governments in targeting individuals, contradicting claims of lawful surveillance. The vendors pay millions for exploits, and Google’s Threat Analysis … Read more

Google: Govs Drive Sharp Growth of Commercial Spyware Cos

February 6, 2024 at 05:07AM Summary: Governments’ increased interest in spying on activists and dissidents has led to a surge in commercial spyware vendors (CSVs). These vendors exploit zero-day vulnerabilities and provide end-to-end surveillance capabilities for substantial sums. Google’s report highlights the concerning growth of CSV operations globally, prompting the Biden Administration to issue an … Read more

US to Roll Out Visa Restrictions on People Who Misuse Spyware to Target Journalists, Activists

February 5, 2024 at 06:06PM The Biden administration has implemented a new policy allowing visa restrictions on individuals involved in misusing commercial spyware to target journalists, activists, and marginalized communities. This action aims to address privacy and human rights concerns. Notably, the policy could affect citizens of any country and reflects growing international concerns about … Read more

US announces visa ban on those linked to commercial spyware

February 5, 2024 at 03:26PM The State Department led by Antony J. Blinken introduced a visa restriction policy targeting individuals linked to the misuse of commercial spyware, citing it as a threat to human rights and U.S. security. The Biden Administration issued an Executive Order to prevent the use of mercenary surveillance tools, and the … Read more