The U.S. Supreme Court announced on January 9 2026 that it will hear Cisco Systems’ appeal in a lawsuit that accuses the networking giant of aiding the Chinese government in its crackdown on Falun Gong practitioners. The case centers on whether Cisco’s technology and services were used to facilitate surveillance and enforcement actions against the spiritual movement, raising questions about corporate liability under U.S. law.
The lawsuit is grounded in the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) and the Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA), statutes that allow foreign victims to sue U.S. companies for “aiding and abetting” human‑rights violations committed abroad. Plaintiffs allege that Cisco played a key role in designing and building China’s “Golden Shield” or Great Firewall, a system that enabled authorities to identify and detain Falun Gong members. Evidence cited includes Cisco presentations from 2008 that suggested its products could flag a high percentage of Falun Gong content online.
Cisco maintains that it sold its technology in compliance with U.S. trade policy and that it did not customize products to facilitate repression. The company argues that its sales to China were legal and that it has no direct involvement in the government’s enforcement activities. The Trump administration has joined Cisco in urging the Court to limit the reach of the ATS, underscoring the broader debate over corporate accountability for overseas human‑rights abuses.
The Supreme Court’s decision could set a significant precedent for how U.S. companies are treated in foreign human‑rights litigation. A ruling that expands liability could expose Cisco and other firms to substantial legal and reputational risk, potentially affecting their operations in China and beyond. Conversely, a decision that narrows the scope of the ATS would reinforce the current legal position that limits U.S. corporate liability for actions taken by foreign governments.
A Cisco spokesperson said the company is pleased with the Court’s decision to hear the case and looks forward to oral arguments, signaling confidence in its legal strategy while acknowledging the importance of the proceedings for the company’s future business and reputation.
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