Cisco’s China Deal Faces Supreme Court Review

A lawsuit claims that Cisco Systems helped the Chinese government target Falun Gong followers. The case hinges on two U. S. statutes: the 18th‑century Alien Tort Statute and the 1991 Torture Victim Protection Act. Cisco argues it cannot be held responsible for actions taken abroad. The Supreme Court is now deciding whether to let the suit proceed in American courts. Conservative justices are debating how far they should allow a foreign‑government claim to be pursued in the U. S. and whether many similar lawsuits are flooding the system. One justice questioned whether the courthouse gate is “not closely guarded, ” hinting at concerns about jurisdiction. Both Democratic and Republican administrations have historically been cautious about using U. S. courts to address abuses committed overseas. Falun Gong activists counter that much of Cisco’s work related to China was carried out in the United States, giving U. S. courts a valid venue.Investigations have shown that American tech firms, including Cisco, helped build China’s surveillance apparatus. In 2008 leaked documents revealed that Cisco marketed its technology to the “Golden Shield, ” China’s censorship program, and claimed it could identify most Falun Gong content online. Reports also suggest Cisco portrayed the group as a threat and helped develop systems to track its members. In 2011, Falun Gong activists filed a lawsuit accusing Cisco of knowingly supplying tools that would aid in detaining and torturing believers. Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed openness to allowing the case to continue, noting Cisco’s cooperation with Chinese authorities. Cisco’s lawyers have denied any wrongdoing. The Court is expected to issue its ruling in late June, which will determine whether the lawsuit can move forward or be dismissed.