US will impose visa bans on spyware abusers
The United States has announced visa bans on those who misuse spyware or surveillance equipment. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced the policy in a statement on Monday, February 5, saying , the State Department is implementing a new policy that would allow visa restrictions to be imposed on those involved in the misuse of commercial spyware.
The new policy is part of a broader U.S. effort to curb the misuse of commercial spyware, the statement said. Earlier, the US government had issued an executive order to ban the use of commercial spyware.
According to the statement, the US is concerned about the growing misuse of commercial spyware around the world. Because it facilitates repression, restricts the free flow of information and facilitates human rights violations.
The United States considers the misuse of commercial spyware to threaten individual privacy and freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
The U.S. State Department statement also said, "The United States will continue to stand up for human rights and fundamental freedoms and to hold accountable those involved in commercial spyware abuses."
Pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(c) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act, the use of spyware to indiscriminately unlawfully monitor, harass, suppress, target journalists, activists, other persons deemed to be dissidents, members of marginalized communities or vulnerable populations, or family members of victims. Or if someone is proven to be intimidating, the US State Department can impose visa policies on them.
