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    Tuesday, December 7, 2021

    Israel Issues Stricter, but Still Vague, Guidelines for Cybertech Exports After NSO Scandal

    A smartphone with the website of Israel's NSO Group. JOEL SAGET - AFP
    Israel said on Monday that countries interested in purchasing its cybertechnologies should commit to using them to prevent only a limited list of terrorist acts and serious crimes.

    The move announced by Israel’s Defense Ministry was the latest step in stepping up its surveillance over concerns over possible overseas abuse of a hacking tool sold by Israeli companies like NSO Group.

    An updated certificate to be signed by procuring countries lists in detail what qualifies as “terrorist acts” – such as attacks on people, public facilities, aircraft seizures, the release of dangerous substances – as well. as “serious crimes” referring to those which justify imprisonment of six years or more.

    “The definitions of serious crimes and terrorist acts have been refined in order to avoid the blurring of borders in this context,” the defense ministry said.

    It also spells out prohibited uses – like targeting people for political affiliation or apps that violate that country’s privacy laws – for which Israel could revoke licenses and systems shut down.

    Israel has been under pressure to curb spyware exports since July, when a group of international news agencies reported that NSO’s Pegasus tool had been used to hack the phones of journalists, government officials and militants. human rights in several countries.

    These reports prompted Israel to review the cyber-export policy administered by the Defense Ministry.

    Last month, Israel reportedly narrowed down the list of countries eligible to purchase its cybertechnologies.

    NSO has denied any wrongdoing, saying it only sells its tools to governments and law enforcement agencies and has safeguards in place to prevent abuse. © Reuters

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