Jordan's Government Accused of Using Israeli Firm's Phone-Tracking Tool Against Activists
A new report by the Citizen Lab has found that Jordanian authorities are using a digital tool developed by an Israeli firm to extract information from the mobile phones of activists who have been critical of Israel and in support of Gaza. The tool, made by Cellebrite, can access data including photos, videos, chats, files, passwords, location history, and social media accounts.
The investigation, which spanned several years, revealed that four mobile phones belonging to members of Jordanian civil society who had been detained or interrogated were subjected to forensic extraction using Cellebrite. The report states that the use of this tool "likely violates human rights treaties Jordan has ratified."
One case described in the report involved a political activist whose phone was seized after an interrogation by Jordan's general intelligence department. The phone remained in custody for 35 days before being returned to the activist, who found their passcode written on a piece of tape stuck to the back of the device.
The use of Cellebrite has raised concerns about human rights violations, particularly given that the tool can extract data even after it has been deleted. The company has stated that its technology is forensic in nature and only used to access private data with legal consent or due process.
However, critics argue that this does not excuse the use of such tools against activists and dissidents. The Citizen Lab report highlights a pattern of surveillance and monitoring of civil society groups around the world, including in Jordan, Myanmar, Botswana, Serbia, and Belarus.
The Jordanian government has refused to comment on the allegations, but the use of Cellebrite by authorities is a serious concern for human rights organizations and advocates for free speech. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to the use of surveillance technology in countries with questionable human rights records.
A new report by the Citizen Lab has found that Jordanian authorities are using a digital tool developed by an Israeli firm to extract information from the mobile phones of activists who have been critical of Israel and in support of Gaza. The tool, made by Cellebrite, can access data including photos, videos, chats, files, passwords, location history, and social media accounts.
The investigation, which spanned several years, revealed that four mobile phones belonging to members of Jordanian civil society who had been detained or interrogated were subjected to forensic extraction using Cellebrite. The report states that the use of this tool "likely violates human rights treaties Jordan has ratified."
One case described in the report involved a political activist whose phone was seized after an interrogation by Jordan's general intelligence department. The phone remained in custody for 35 days before being returned to the activist, who found their passcode written on a piece of tape stuck to the back of the device.
The use of Cellebrite has raised concerns about human rights violations, particularly given that the tool can extract data even after it has been deleted. The company has stated that its technology is forensic in nature and only used to access private data with legal consent or due process.
However, critics argue that this does not excuse the use of such tools against activists and dissidents. The Citizen Lab report highlights a pattern of surveillance and monitoring of civil society groups around the world, including in Jordan, Myanmar, Botswana, Serbia, and Belarus.
The Jordanian government has refused to comment on the allegations, but the use of Cellebrite by authorities is a serious concern for human rights organizations and advocates for free speech. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to the use of surveillance technology in countries with questionable human rights records.
. I mean, you think you're safe online, but nope, there's always someone watching. The fact that Jordan's government would resort to using a phone-tracking tool against activists is just, like, so unsettling. It's like they're trying to silence dissent and control the narrative. And the worst part is, this isn't even some secret ops stuff - it's out in the open for anyone to see.
And the fact that these phones were returned after 35 days with the passcode written on a piece of tape... that's just, like, so low-key sinister. I mean, can you even imagine how frustrating and terrifying it must be to have your phone seized and all your personal data extracted without consent? 
I've had my phone hacked before, but at least it was just some random scammer trying to sell me something. This is on a whole different level.
And the worst part is that they're not even denying it. They're just ignoring the whole thing. That's what really gets my goat.
, that's just scary. And the fact that this company, Cellebrite, can access all sorts of sensitive info like photos, vids, and social media accounts? It's like they're playing with fire 
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. The thing is, we need to keep pushing for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to surveillance tech, especially in countries where the gov's track record isn't exactly stellar 
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, even when it seems like we're at our lowest. There are so many amazing people out there fighting for justice and freedom 
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. I mean, I get it, security is important, but do we really need these super invasive tools? And if the government won't comment on this... that just means they're trying to sweep it under the rug 
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. What if they used that tool to track down someone who spoke out against them in the first place? It's a slippery slope, folks... let's be careful about where we're headed with all this tech 
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It's just another example of how governments are using tech to silence activists and control people's freedom of speech. The fact that they're using a tool that can extract data from phones even after it's been deleted is just mind-blowing 
. I mean, what's next? Using AI to monitor our online activities without us even realizing it? 
And honestly, it's not just about human rights violations... it's also about the impact on civil society and the spread of misinformation. 
We need more transparency and accountability in governments' use of surveillance technology, stat! 
. And what about the fact that someone just happened to write down the passcode with tape? That doesn't add up... I mean, come on, how hard is it to find another way to get your phone unlocked? 
The whole thing feels like a setup 
meanwhile, the general intelligence department gets to keep all their secrets safe behind a 'forensic in nature' tech 
can't wait for the next report on how these tools are being used against human rights...
This is so shady! 
How can they just grab someone's phone and access all their info without a warrant? 
It's like they're watching you 24/7... 
The fact that it stayed on the phone for 35 days 
is even creepier! 
They should be worried, not just their personal info but also their freedom of speech 
. We need to keep an eye on these governments and make sure they don't abuse their power