Biden signs order restricting federal use of commercial spyware
Christopher Hutton
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President Joe Biden ordered federal authorities Monday to restrict the use of commercial spyware that has been used to spy on journalists and human rights activists.
The new executive order will bar federal agencies from purchasing commercial spyware if it is determined that the spyware maker had sold similar software to foreign nations of concern, such as Russia or Iran. The order is a response to recent research revealing that spyware created by the Israeli developer NSO Group has been used to surveil more than 1,000 human rights activists and journalists.
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“The proliferation of commercial spyware poses distinct and growing counterintelligence and security risks to the United States, including to the safety and security of U.S. Government personnel and their families,” the White House said in a fact sheet.
Biden officials also confirmed that spyware was installed on the personal devices used by 50 U.S. government personnel in 10 countries, according to Axios.
Agency leaders must certify that the purchased software does not pose a counterintelligence or security risk, according to the order. This includes determining if the software had been used to monitor U.S. citizens without legal authorization.
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The Supreme Court approved a lawsuit filed by Meta against NSO after the Israeli company pushed for immunity from such lawsuits due to it serving foreign government clientele.
NSO has been scrutinized for its spyware practices. While the company said it is only used to spy on criminals and illegal organizations, it has been found spying on journalists, activists, and business rivals.