US Visa Restrictions for Spyware Peddlers Will Start Soon

US Visa restrictions for companies and individuals illegally selling spyware in the country are expected to take effect in the coming days.

The US Department of State on Monday announced that it will soon begin implementing the revised policy as part of ongoing efforts to protect human rights and privacy of citizens.

The department will test out the new policy to 13 unidentified individuals "who have been involved in the development and sale of commercial spyware."

Immediate family members, including spouse and children "of any age," of those involved will also receive the same penalty.

The revised Visa restriction policy was approved by the secretary of the state last February to curb misuse of spyware in targeting journalists, activists, perceived critics, and marginalized community.

The US has earlier prohibited the use of commercial spyware and similar unauthorized surveillance software in the country, citing criminal offenses for anyone who is caught using them.

US Gov't Cracks Down on Ongoing Spyware Threats

According to Infosecurity Magazine, the US government's deployment of the policy comes in as concerns of massive surveillance campaigns are being reported over the past month.

Recent incidents revealed that several spyware vendors are distributing their products to individuals to extort Android users and even government officials, many of which were motivated by the upcoming election polls.

In response, the US has added surveillance technology publishers Intellexa and Cytrox to its list of sanctioned groups a month before announcing its latest move with the Visa restrictions.

Surveillance Concerns Rise Ahead of 2024 Elections

Despite clear steps to address surveillance issues, lawmakers are reportedly still pushing to ramp up the government's effort to crack down on foreign entities breaching into the country's information space ahead of the 2024 elections.

Several state reports, including those from Microsoft and Google, have alleged massive campaigns being launched in the US to disrupt the election process in November.

The government has since employed new defense policies as it shores up AI technology to integrate with its counter-intelligence and cyber defense operations.