Risky Bulletin Srsly Risky Biz: Punish the wicked and reward the righteous
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Jan 29, 2026 Tom Uren, policy and intelligence editor who analyzes cybersecurity policy and spyware impacts, joins to discuss the Pall Mall Process and international efforts to curb abusive spyware. He explores the U.S. strategy of punishing miscreants while rewarding compliant firms. They also unpack the Salt Typhoon telecom compromises against senior UK officials and what strict telco rules actually buy us.
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Punish The Wicked And Reward The Good
- The US response to abusive spyware combined punishment and preference signaling to shape industry behaviour.
- Sanctions, visa restrictions and informal allow-lists together create stronger incentives than voluntary standards alone.
Paragon's Realpolitik Playbook
- Paragon Solutions sought US approval for a 35-country allow-list to stay in Washington's good books.
- The company later dropped controversial customers, won US contracts, and sold for $500 million.
Incentives Beat Fine Language
- Voluntary non-binding standards often waste time on precise language without changing incentives.
- Real change requires governments to create tangible punishments and rewards for company behaviour.