The issue focused on international sanctions legislation and technology transfer as well as internet technologies.

US digital weapons systems software engineers made 46 computer malware devices for hackers to install in computers at Microsoft. Microsoft Windows machines were targeted by hacking groups that included China's Five Eyes intelligence partner. Microsoft software programmers didn't tell customers about the malware before making them public. Microsoft Computer Systems users could still receive updates from Microsoft security software or Microsoft websites. Microsoft servers also helped facilitate electronic spying of targets. Microsoft researchers sold Windows XP machine software