EU surveillance tech exports to rights-violating governments
Human Rights Watch reported that EU member states have exported surveillance technology to governments with documented histories of using such tools to target activists, journalists and critical voices, despite an EU Dual-Use Regulation adopted in 2021 intended to prevent such exports. The report found serious flaws in implementation and oversight of EU export controls for surveillance technologies.
What happened
The European Commission has failed to prevent EU member states from exporting surveillance technology to governments with documented histories of using technology to spy on activists, journalists, and other critical voices, according to a Human Rights Watch report released May 12, 2026.
The report assessed how the EU's Dual-Use Regulation, adopted in 2021, functions in practice. The regulation was intended to prevent the export of dual-use technologies—those that may be used for both civilian and military purposes, including commercial surveillance technology—to places where they are likely to be used to violate international humanitarian or human rights law.
Reported impact
EU surveillance technology has been sold to governments that use it to violate international human rights and humanitarian law, enabling rights abuses against activists, journalists, and critical voices.
Index analysis
The implementation and oversight of the EU regulatory framework governing export of surveillance technologies have serious flaws. The Dual-Use Regulation's goal of preventing export to places likely to use it to violate international humanitarian or human rights law is not being achieved because it is not being implemented effectively.
Governance controls
The EU should tighten the controls requiring states to do greater human rights due diligence, block risky exports, and enforce the transparency and reporting requirements so they provide meaningful oversight and accountability.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.