“So it’s not surprising they’ve turned up in places like Egypt, Syria and Iran.”

Really? They had to be created first of all in so-called “free” or “democratic” nations. That’s really something of a sick inside joke.

“only sells ‘lawful interception’ gear…”

Pot calling kettle black circle logic. The usual fox guarding the hen house excuses.

“that activists worry could easily be abused by repressive security forces and corrupt officials.”

Worry? Are you so daft as to not see and know that they’re ALREADY being used within the mythically “free” nations? When they’re used elsewhere it’s only to work out the bugs before reimplementing them on the home front.

“Some of this technology is being abused by repressive governments to help crack down on dissent.”

Where is the surprise in this? It’s being used at home. Is that not “repressive” enough for you?

“diverted from an importer”

For the love of all that’s holy! Just how difficult would it be to simply purchase something, even what our overlords would consider in a legal manner, and then pack it up in a box and drive across the border someplace? These are just distractions. Excuses to further intrude into everybody’s life so then they can tell you that you’re “safe”. I’m sure a slave kept chained in his cell is safe too, but I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be one.

And the winner for the most obviously bone-headed statement.

“can governments really afford to continue to ignore this burgeoning industry?”

What exactly are you saying here? The same cast of criminals responsible for the bombing and destruction of life and property across the globe, the gutting of their own citizens life, property, and liberty are then called upon to “solve” the problems that they themselves created? Is this not the definition of insanity? This is when I throw up my hands at just how stupid most people are for calling on their government to restrain itself and its profiting cronies. Not going to happen! And history is on my side.

Its not spying technology its leaking technology.
And the damn is about to break.