US Surpasses Global Rivals to Become Largest Investor in Commercial Spyware

US Emerges as Largest Investor in Commercial Spyware: Report The United States has surpassed other major investing countries to become the largest investor in commercial spyware, a global industry that poses significant threats to human rights and national security. According to a new report by the Atlantic Council, published today, 20 new US-based investors were identified in 2024, bringing the total number of American backers of this technology to 31. The study, which surveyed 561 entities across 46 countries between 1992 and 2024, found that the growth of US investment in commercial spyware has outpaced other major players such as Israel, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The report's authors attribute this trend to the increasing demand for surveillance technology among governments and private companies. "It's alarming to see the US taking a leading role in investing in commercial spyware," said Sarah Joseph, director of the human rights organization, Just Vision. "This technology has been used to target journalists, activists, and politicians around the world, often with devastating consequences." The report highlights the significant growth of the global spyware industry, with 34 new investors identified since last year's dataset. This brings the total number of identified investors to 128, up from 94 in 2023. Italy, a key hub for spyware development, accounts for the largest share of EU Single Market and Swiss-based investors at 12, followed by Israel with 26 investors. US-based investors include major hedge funds D.E. Shaw Co. and Millennium Management, prominent trading firm Jane Street, and mainstream financial-services company A. Background on commercial spyware reveals that this technology has been used to facilitate covert surveillance of individuals, often without their knowledge or consent. The industry's growth has raised concerns among human rights organizations and governments worldwide, who argue that it poses significant threats to national security and individual freedoms. "It's not just about the US; it's about the global implications of this trend," said Dr. Emma Sinclair-Webb, a senior international justice fellow at Human Rights Watch. "We need to see greater transparency and accountability from investors in commercial spyware, as well as stricter regulations to prevent its misuse." The Atlantic Council report calls for increased scrutiny and regulation of the commercial spyware industry, emphasizing the need for governments and companies to prioritize human rights and national security. As the global community grapples with the implications of this trend, experts warn that the consequences of unchecked investment in commercial spyware could be far-reaching. "We're not just talking about individual freedoms; we're talking about the very fabric of our societies," said Joseph. The report's findings are expected to spark renewed debate on the regulation of commercial spyware and its implications for global security and human rights. *Reporting by News.*