Spyware Maker NSO Group Is Paving a Path Back Into Trump’s America

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Spyware Maker NSO Group Is Paving a Path Back Into Trump’s America

Summary

The NSO Group, an Israeli spyware company, has been revamping its political strategy following Donald Trump’s return to office. With significant financial backing and a focus on Republican lawmakers, NSO Group seeks to end its designation on the US Commerce Department’s Entity List, which has restricted its operations with US entities due to its past associations with human rights abuses. The company is engaging a new lobbying group, the Vogel Group, to navigate the political landscape under the new administration.

NSO Group co-founder Omri Lavie publicly expressed support for Trump’s presidency, seeing potential benefits for the company. This shift comes after a substantial investment in pre-election lobbying, primarily directed toward Republican legislators. As it strives to improve its situation, NSO has made changes to its lobbying strategies, including terminating affiliations with previous Democratic-aligned consultants.

Key Points

  • NSO Group has been on the US Commerce Department’s Entity List for over three years, restricting its ability to engage with US businesses.
  • The company invested approximately $1.8 million in lobbying efforts focused on Republican lawmakers in preparation for the election.
  • NSO’s new lobbying partnership with the Vogel Group aims to address cybersecurity policy and seek favorable treatment from the new administration.
  • Key personnel from the Vogel Group have past connections to the Trump administration, enhancing their influence on behalf of NSO Group.
  • Assessments of NSO’s lobbying move show a concerted effort to shift strategies and potentially reverse the restrictions due to its controversial history.

Why should I read this?

This article highlights the implications of NSO Group’s lobbying efforts amidst a changing political landscape in the US. With ongoing concerns about privacy and ethical use of surveillance technology, understanding how companies like NSO navigate government relations under different administrations can illuminate broader issues of accountability and regulation in the tech industry.