The United States and its allies take action against spyware

As part of the Second Democracy Summit, the US, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK issued a joint statement on adopting national security measures and international standards against the malicious use and spread of commercial spyware.

Noting that spyware is being abused around the world, the statement stressed that “firm measures” will be taken to prevent this and that there will be cooperation in this regard.

The statement promised to prevent the export of software, technology and equipment to malicious spyware users.

In the statement, it was noted that relevant countries will share information on the proliferation and abuse of commercial spyware, noting that they will work closely with market partners and civil society to raise awareness and set appropriate standards.

On March 27, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order banning the use of commercial spyware, which poses a threat to national security, on US government devices and personal electronic devices. at home and abroad.

The decree provides for banning spyware created by foreign or domestic commercial entities in federal government departments and agencies, including those involved in law enforcement, defense and intelligence activities, which is considered “a risk to national security and abused by foreign actors because they allow human rights abuses around the world”. (AA)