"US Implements New Restrictions on Government and Commercial Spyware Use"

President Biden signed an executive order restricting American government use of commercial spyware, a powerful surveillance tool that has been abused by both autocracies and democracies around the world to spy on political dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists. The order prohibits federal government departments and agencies from using commercial spyware that might be abused by foreign governments, could target Americans overseas, or could pose security risks if installed on U.S. government networks. The order covers only spyware developed and sold by commercial entities, not tools built by American intelligence agencies.