The White House announced that President Biden has issued an executive order directing the U.S. government to stop using proprietary commercial spyware that could threaten national security. The move signals a clear policy shift away from tools that may give foreign actors new leverage over U.S. institutions and sensitive information. This development was reported by TASS and later reflected in official briefing materials released by the administration.
According to briefings from the White House, the executive order bars the government from operationally employing commercial spyware that carries significant national security risks or that could be exploited by foreign entities to violate human rights on a global scale. The language underscores a precautionary stance toward surveillance technologies that might enable abuses of power, curb political expression, or compromise civil liberties both within the United States and overseas. The administration frames the policy as part of a broader effort to safeguard democratic norms and ensure that government systems remain free from tools whose use could undermine public trust or trigger international backlash.
Officials emphasized that the growing adoption of spyware by various governments has become a worrying trend. Reports indicate that some nations deploy such software to intimidate political dissent, monitor journalists and activists, and restrict freedom of expression. The administration’s position reflects concern that commercial spyware can be used to target civil society, influence electoral processes, and chill dissent, thereby eroding fundamental rights that are essential to open societies. In this context, the administration highlighted the need for robust safeguards and clearer accountability when it comes to technology that intersects with human rights and national security issues on multiple continents.
As part of the dialogue surrounding this issue, participants in the Summit for Democracy, which is slated to return later this year, are expected to publish guidelines on the responsible use of spyware. The summit brings together leaders and stakeholders who are interested in setting norms for technology, privacy, and governance. The administration’s stance suggests that the guidelines will likely address not only national security concerns but also oversight mechanisms, transparency requirements, and remedies for misuse, aiming to reduce the global spread of tools that can threaten political liberties and personal safety.
Separately, there were earlier reports about the U.S. Marshals Service facing a cyber incident involving ransomware. Investigators indicated that the attack granted access to sensitive information, including data related to ongoing investigations, personnel involved in cases, and third-party contacts. The incident underscores the broader cybersecurity challenge facing federal agencies and the importance of resilient defenses, rapid incident response, and careful coordination with law enforcement partners to minimize disruption to operations and protect the integrity of sensitive information. The evolving threat landscape continues to drive policy decisions that balance security measures with civil rights protections, emphasizing careful scrutiny of digital tools used by government entities.