U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions on 13 Linked to Commercial Spyware Misuse
On Monday, the U.S. Department of State said that it is moving to restrict visas for 13 people who are either directly related to persons engaged in the creation and sale of commercial spyware or who are involved in the development of such products.
The misuse of this technology, which has targeted journalists, academics, human rights defenders, dissidents and other perceived opponents, and U.S. government workers, has been enabled or financially benefited by these individuals, according to the department.
The move comes more than two months after the U.S. government announced it was instituting a new policy that applies visa requirements on those engaging in activities that could endanger privacy and freedom of expression. The identities of those subject to visa restrictions were n...