implemented security camera system across

The important issue now is how this category is interpreted and implemented. It is our understanding that exportnetwork camera control authorities did not want to catch security research tools and may well explicitly or implicitly exempt security products at a national level. In the UK, for example, exporters can apply for a Control List Classification enquiry to determine whether or not a product is subject to control, a process that takes into consideration the original design purpose of a product. Export licensing authorities, and particularly enforcement officers within customs, do not want to create unnecessary work for themselves if it serves no legitimate purpose. It is also important to remember that while some products may be caught under this category, it is still up to prosecutors to decide whether or not to pursue a case if there has been any infringement.

It’s still early days following the publication of the agreement, and the scope of the consideration given to security research tools remains untested. What’s important now is to establish the extent of the safeguards put in to prevent overreach; Privacy International and others will be doing a number of things before these controls are implemented:

We will pursue outreach with governments and the expert groups involved in the discussions to ascertain what thought was given to security research products throughout the process
We will consult licensing authorities to find out if they intend to control security research products within the new categories
We will campaign vigorously against the control of any such products and ensure that category 4 is implemented security camera system across member states in such a way as to not catch security products
We will initiate conversations with the security industry to ascertain their understanding of the new controls and how it affects them
We’ll keep you posted.