That irony hasn't been lost on Western governments. In an effort to blunt the negative role of technology in the Arab Spring, governments have reacted with remarkable speed to . In the United States, for instance, a bill known as the "Global Online Freedom Act" (HR 3605) is currently pending that would prohibit the export of surveillance technology to countries that the government designates as an "Internet-restricting country." The to prohibit the export of certain surveillance technology to Syria and Iran.

IN THE U.S.:

BACKGROUND:

Action has not been limited to the proposal and implementation of new law. The United States has begun aggressively enforcing pre-existing laws that prohibit sales to sanctioned countries such as Iran and Syria. For instance, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and is currently investigating the manufactured by Blue Coat Systems. And investigations are being considered or already underway in France, Israel and the on the sale of surveillance technology to repressive regimes by companies in those countries. [Also see: ""]

In numerous ways, the government actions affect manufacturers and vendors of surveillance technology, as well as other parties involved in the transfer of such technology.