At its third Summit for Democracy, held on March 18, 2024, the White House made an important one announcement This confirms that six additional countries have pledged their support to an international coalition focused on combating commercial spyware.
With the participation of Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Poland and the Republic of Korea, the international coalition has significantly expanded its reach. These countries now stand alongside Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Britain and the US, marking a global effort to combat this threat.
The announcement of these new members is a testament to the rapid growth and importance of the year-old coalition. It underlines the urgency of the problem and the global recognition of the need to combat commercial spyware.
Another six countries pledge to provide protection against spyware
The White House says the misuse of commercial spyware in both authoritarian regimes and democracies poses national security risks, putting government personnel, information and systems at risk. Such technologies are already used worldwide to intimidate opponents, suppress dissent and even violate human rights and threaten civil liberties.
In an effort to combat growing threats, America and other countries that agree with these efforts have pledged to ensure that spyware remains consistent with human rights, the law and civil liberties.
The countries also committed to prevent the export of software, technology and equipment to end users who are likely to use them for malicious cyber activities, and to cooperate with other governments and agencies worldwide by sharing information.
The coalition not only serves to protect, but also wants to uphold democratic values ​​and promote responsible innovation. Like the Bletchley Declaration designed to address the risks of artificial intelligence, it is hoped that this approach will carry more weight at the highest level in protecting countries, crucial services and citizens.
