Serbian police allegedly used Cellebrite to unlock and plant spyware on a journalist’s phone
In a shocking revelation, Amnesty International has discovered that the Serbian police have been using Cellebrite tools to not only unlock devices but also plant spyware. The disturbing news highlights the alarming extent to which law enforcement agencies are misusing their powers.
According to sources close to the matter, Cellebrite was used by Serbian authorities to break into a journalist’s phone and then secretly install malicious software. This raises serious concerns about the privacy of individuals and the potential for abuse.
The information comes from Amnesty International’s research, which found that NoviSpy malware was installed on devices in Serbia. The group claims that the spyware is linked to the Serbian police and has been used to spy on activists, journalists, and even ordinary citizens.
What makes this case particularly disturbing is the use of Cellebrite tools. These tools are designed to help law enforcement agencies unlock devices and extract information, but they can also be used for nefarious purposes. It seems that in this instance, Serbian authorities have exploited this capability to secretly install spyware on a journalist’s phone.
Cellebrite has faced criticism before over its role in surveillance and the potential for misuse of its tools. The company claims that it only provides its technology for legal investigations and has strict controls in place to prevent abuse. However, Amnesty International’s research highlights a disturbing trend where authorities are using these tools to silence dissenting voices.
In this case, it seems that Serbian police have gone beyond just unlocking devices and have instead chosen to secretly install spyware on a journalist’s phone. This raises serious questions about the accountability of law enforcement agencies and the need for stronger controls over surveillance technology.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of balancing national security with individual privacy, this disturbing revelation serves as a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant in protecting our rights.
The story is not only an attack on press freedom but also highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and oversight over surveillance practices.
Source: techcrunch.com