"Rising Threat: Google Exposes Booming Spyware Business and Calls for Tighter Regulation"
Despite government crackdowns and efforts by big tech, the commercial spyware economy is thriving, with numerous vendors offering surveillance tools. These tools have been used to target human rights advocates, journalists, and political dissidents, leading to victims' deaths. Western governments are taking steps to curb this $12-billion-a-year industry, including imposing visa restrictions and export limitations. However, the spyware business continues to grow, with a lack of transparency and data sharing contributing to the challenge of combating this pervasive threat.