Will this decision save the United States from being accused of spying on the whole world?
The US Department of Commerce has announced that it will stop supporting US companies in selling commercial spyware to foreign governments. The decision was announced in a letter to Senator Ron Wyden from the International Trade Administration (ITA), which previously promoted American goods and services abroad, including tracking technologies.
"The United States will not help companies seek foreign markets for products or services that undermine democracy or promote oppressive surveillance and discrimination," Wyden said. The announcement followed President Biden's executive order banning the use of such software by the US government.
The ITA has updated its policy to include a human rights supplement and has committed to refusing to promote products that may harm human rights. It also provides for improved training of human rights officers.
Despite these changes, critics point to the lack of transparency in the actions of the ITA and the need to disclose full information about the assistance provided to technology companies.
The US Department of Commerce has announced that it will stop supporting US companies in selling commercial spyware to foreign governments. The decision was announced in a letter to Senator Ron Wyden from the International Trade Administration (ITA), which previously promoted American goods and services abroad, including tracking technologies.
"The United States will not help companies seek foreign markets for products or services that undermine democracy or promote oppressive surveillance and discrimination," Wyden said. The announcement followed President Biden's executive order banning the use of such software by the US government.
The ITA has updated its policy to include a human rights supplement and has committed to refusing to promote products that may harm human rights. It also provides for improved training of human rights officers.
Despite these changes, critics point to the lack of transparency in the actions of the ITA and the need to disclose full information about the assistance provided to technology companies.
