EU lawmakers back exports control on spying technology

EU lawmakers overwhelmingly backed plans on Thursday to control exports of devices to intercept mobile phone calls, hack computers or circumvent passwords that could be used by foreign states to suppress political opponents or activists.

Members of the European Parliament’s trade committee voted by 34 votes to one in favor of a planned update to export controls on “dual use” products or technologies.

The EU has had export controls since 2009 on such dual-use products including toxins, laser and technology for navigation or nuclear power, which can have civilian or military applications but also be used to make weapons of mass destruction.

The move is part of the EU’s strategy to take advantage of the trade vacuum left by more protectionist US President Donald Trump both in terms of striking trade accords with other countries and setting values for global trade.

(REUTERS)