The State Department has announced that it will be imposing visa restrictions on individuals involved in the development and sale of commercial spyware, as well as their immediate family members. These restrictions will prevent them from entering the United States. The department’s decision is in response to the misuse of technology that has targeted journalists, academics, human rights defenders, dissidents, and other critics, as well as U.S. Government personnel. This policy was implemented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in February and is based on Section 212 (a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the government to deem foreign nationals inadmissible if granting them a visa would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.
The visa restrictions are part of a broader effort to crack down on commercial spyware companies. In March, the Treasury Department issued sanctions against Tal Dilian, the founder of the company behind the Predator spyware, as well as his company, the Intellexa Consortium, and other associated entities. The Predator spyware, developed by Intellexa, was used to target journalists, human rights workers, and even two members of Congress, according to an Amnesty International report. The sanctions prohibit U.S. citizens and businesses from engaging in any business with Dilian, Intellexa, or any other listed entity.
While the State Department release does not name the 13 individuals who will face visa restrictions, it is clear that they have played a role in the development and sale of commercial spyware. These individuals have been involved in facilitating or deriving financial benefit from the misuse of technology that has had a detrimental impact on journalists, human rights defenders, and other critics. By imposing these visa restrictions, the United States is sending a strong message that it will not tolerate the abuse of spyware technology for malicious purposes.
The decision to impose visa restrictions on individuals involved in the development and sale of spyware is a significant step towards holding those responsible for such actions accountable. By targeting key individuals and their immediate family members, the State Department is taking a proactive approach to preventing the misuse of technology that threatens the safety and security of individuals around the world. This demonstrates a commitment to upholding human rights, protecting freedom of speech, and ensuring that individuals are not targeted for their beliefs or activities.
The sanctions imposed by the Treasury Department against Tal Dilian and his company, as well as other associated entities, further demonstrate the U.S. government’s commitment to cracking down on commercial spyware companies that engage in unethical practices. By prohibiting U.S. citizens and businesses from conducting any business with these entities, the government is taking a strong stance against those who seek to profit from the misuse of technology. These sanctions serve as a warning to others who may be involved in similar activities and send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Overall, the decision to impose visa restrictions and sanctions on individuals and companies involved in the development and sale of commercial spyware is a positive step towards protecting the rights and safety of individuals who may be targeted by such technology. By taking action against those responsible, the U.S. government is sending a clear message that it will not stand idly by while individuals are targeted for their beliefs or activities. This reflects a commitment to upholding human rights, protecting freedom of speech, and preventing the misuse of technology for malicious purposes.