Two European spyware firms added to US export blacklist
The U.S. Commerce Department has added two Europe-based spyware companies to its technology exports blacklist
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commerce Department added two Europe-based spyware companies to its technology export blacklist on Tuesday for developing surveillance tools deemed to have threatened U.S. national security as well as the privacy and integrity of individuals and organizations worldwide.
Such tools are regularly used for political repression and other human rights abuses, including for spying on journalists and intimidating political dissidents.
The sanctioned companies are in Greece-based Intellexa S.A., Hungary-based Cytrox and related entities in Ireland and Macedonia. Intellexa and Cytrox have been linked to Predator spyware, whose reported use in Greece helped precipitate the resignation last year of two top government officials, including the national intelligence director.
Commercial spyware firms already on the Commerce Department's so-called Entity List — essentially making it illegal for U.S. companies to do business with them — include Israel's NSO Group, maker of the much better known Pegasus spyware. It was added in November 2021.
