European Union calls for more controls on exports of surveillance technologies

European lawmakers on Thursday backed plans to control exports of electronic surveillance devices that can intercept phone calls, hack computers and expose passwords amid fears they could be used against political opponents and activists.

Members of the European Parliament's Trade Committee voted by 34 votes in favor of reviewing controls on exports of technological products.

Since 2009, the European Union has controlled exports of products such as toxins, lasers, navigation technologies, and nuclear energy.

European authorities fear the sale of malware and technologies for intercepting telecommunications networks.

The new legislation that is expected to enter into force will be voted on by the European Parliament in December or January next year and will be discussed among European countries.

The proposal contains the modernization of export control systems for surveillance equipment.