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U.S. Sanctions Intellexa Consortium Over Spyware Misuse

The Treasury Department targets individuals and entities linked to commercial spyware, marking a significant step in curbing surveillance tool abuse.

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Image Credits: Bryce Durbin / TechCrunch
FILE - The Treasury Department is seen near sunset in Washington, Jan. 18, 2023. The Treasury Department says it has sanctioned two individuals and a Greece-based commercial spyware company headed by a former Israeli military officer that developed and distributed technology used to target U.S. government officials, journalists, and policy experts.
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Overview

  • The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against two individuals and five entities associated with the Intellexa Consortium, a commercial spyware group.
  • Sanctions target Intellexa's founder Tal Jonathan Dilian and Sara Aleksandra Fayssal Hamou, along with companies involved in developing and distributing the Predator spyware.
  • The Predator spyware has been used to target U.S. government officials, journalists, and policy experts, posing a security risk.
  • These sanctions mark the first time the U.S. has targeted a commercial spyware entity, reflecting efforts to curb the misuse of surveillance tools.
  • The Biden administration emphasizes the importance of establishing clear guidelines for the responsible development and use of spyware technologies, ensuring the protection of human rights.