Spyware: An International Initiative to Restrict Usage

In a joint statement released today, these governments recognize the threat posed by the misuse of commercially available spyware and the need to tighten national and international controls on the spread and use of these technologies.

Commercial spy tools have been misused by authoritarian regimes*, according to a related statement posted on the White House website today. The statement notes that such powerful invasive tools have been used to intimidate opponents, restrict freedom of expression, suppress civil liberties and monitor individuals without the necessary legal clearance, among other things.

The misuse of these tools poses “significant risks to our national security,” said the aforementioned governments. They undertake, when deemed necessary, on a case-by-case basis and without prejudice to national legal frameworks, to apply the guidelines for State use of surveillance technologies and the code of ethics developed by the Export Control and Human Rights Initiative. In the same context, they undertake:

• Implement security measures to ensure that any use of commercial spyware is consistent with global human rights, rule of law, civil rights and freedoms.
• Prevent the sale/export of spyware to users who may use it maliciously.
• Exchange information related to the distribution and use of spyware for commercial purposes.
• Engage other governments around the world in agreeing on relevant policies and controls.

“Our efforts will enable us to work together for the first time as we develop and implement policies to prevent the misuse of commercial spyware and encourage the development and implementation of responsible use principles that are consistent with respect for universal human rights, government law, and civil rights and freedoms.”

* Can the current government of Greece be called authoritarian according to this statement? Or is it something else…

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