European Parliament votes to tighten export controls to restrict supply of surveillance and encryption technology to states with poor human rights records amid fears British companies may not have to comply after Brexit...

The proposed changes to the EU dual use export control regime are likely to face opposition from the defence industry and governments, as the European Parliament and the European Commission prepare to negotiate their implantation with Europe’s 28 member states...

Member states will be required to assess the likely impact of surveillance technology on citizens’ right to privacy, freedom of speech, and freedom of association, in the destination country before they grant export licences – a significant step up from current levels of scrutiny.

The proposed rules contain safeguards, however, that will allow legitimate cyber security research to continue. Companies exporting products that are not specifically listed will be expected to follow the OECD’s “due diligence” guidelines if there is a risk they could support human rights violations...

Pressure groups have raised concerns that the UK may escape the proposed safeguards, aimed at stopping the export of surveillance equipment to countries with poor human rights records, because of Brexit...