Immigration authorities in the United States are reportedly utilizing an Israeli-developed surreptitious software for surveillance and tracking purposes.
The United States Department of Justice has given the green light for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to utilise the hacking tool "Graphite". This approval, granted in May 2021, has raised concerns among civil liberties groups and security experts alike.
The "Graphite" spyware has been under scrutiny for its alleged use in spying on journalists, opposition figures, and activists in several European Union countries, including Italy. The software, developed by the Israeli company Paragon, is considered one of the most powerful hacking tools worldwide.
The contract for ICE to use "Graphite" was approved under the Trump administration. However, the Biden administration had previously frozen the deal to assess its compatibility with an anti-spyware regulation.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has sharply criticised the contract, warning of potential grave consequences for civil liberties and security. The EFF claims that "Graphite" allows agencies to read all data on a smartphone, including encrypted communication via platforms like Signal or WhatsApp.
A significant concern lies in the potential misuse of "Graphite" against government opponents. The use of such a powerful tool by ICE, an agency that has faced criticism for its aggressive tactics, harsh detention conditions, and mass deportations, could further expand its capabilities.
One of the most alarming features of "Graphite" is its ability to secretly activate a phone's microphone, effectively turning it into a bug. This capability has fueled fears that the software could be used to invade privacy and gather sensitive information.
As the debate surrounding the use of "Graphite" by ICE continues, it is crucial to ensure that such powerful tools are used responsibly and in compliance with privacy and civil liberties regulations.
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