Combatting Foreign Surveillance Spyware Sanctions Act

Bill 118 HR 5557, also known as the Combatting Foreign Surveillance Spyware Sanctions Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing the issue of foreign surveillance spyware. The bill seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the development, sale, or use of spyware for the purpose of conducting surveillance on individuals or entities in the United States.

The bill outlines specific criteria for determining which individuals and entities would be subject to sanctions, including those who have knowingly engaged in the development or sale of spyware for surveillance purposes, as well as those who have used spyware to target US persons or entities. Sanctions could include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial transactions.

The bill also calls for the establishment of a list of individuals and entities involved in foreign surveillance spyware activities, which would be maintained by the Department of State. This list would be updated regularly and made available to the public. Overall, the Combatting Foreign Surveillance Spyware Sanctions Act aims to deter foreign actors from engaging in surveillance activities against US persons and entities, and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is currently being considered for passage.