COMMERCIAL spyware opponents fear that US policy may be shifting, even as key actions last year signalled a tougher stance. Rescinded sanctions and reactivated contracts have created confusion about the Trump administration's spyware policy and where it draws the line, with the reactivation of ICE’s Paragon Solutions contract prompting widespread concern among civil society groups.
The Treasury’s surprising lifting of sanctions against Intellexa executives and the later removal of some visa restrictions have added to the unease, as opponents warn such moves could undermine earlier gains in restricting spyware. NSO Group’s sale to US investors and its Pegasus spyware remain flashpoints, with critics noting the company’s lobbying and transparency report after the sale failed to address past abuses.
A Greek court’s Predatorgate convictions earlier in the year are cited by supporters of tougher policy as evidence that accountability is possible, yet many argue that policy signals from Washington are not aligned with that view. “Without strong legal guardrails, there is a risk the malware will be misused by the US government,” says Cooper Quintin of the EFF, while Amnesty International’s Natalia Krapiva emphasises ongoing Pegasus activity despite sanctions.
According to Michael De Dora, US policy manager at Access Now, the lifting of sanctions and the Paragon reactivation have left spyware opponents “very concerned” about the state of the fight in 2026.