United States of America: Issued Joint Declaration to Counter Commercial Spyware Proliferation and Misuse

On 18 March 2024, a Joint Statement was issued regarding the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware following the third Summit of Democracy. The Statement notes that commercial spyware has been used by both authoritarian regimes and democracies to intimidate opponents, suppress dissent, and commit human rights abuses without adequate legal oversight. Therefore, the countries involved have committed to adhering to the Guiding Principles on Government Use of Surveillance Technologies and the Code of Conduct from the Export Controls and Human Rights Initiative. They aim to ensure that the use of spyware aligns with universal human rights and the rule of law. The countries have also committed to implementing robust procedures to ensure that spyware use aligns with human rights and legal standards and to prevent the export of technology that is likely to be used maliciously. Furthermore, they will improve information sharing, collaborate with industry and civil society to raise awareness and establish standards, and engage with more governments and stakeholders to align policies and promote industry reform in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The statement was signed by Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.