Tag: surveillance
232 articles
Section 702 Teeters on Brink of Lapse Amid Spy Chief Dispute
The US intelligence community is on the brink of losing a crucial surveillance authority as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act teeters on the verge of lapsing, following a 218-198 House vote against its extension. This development comes amid a dispute over the nomination of a new spy chief.
China's Influence Silences Dissent in Zambia
In Zambia, a stark reality has emerged: China's growing influence is stifling dissenting voices, with critics like Michael Sata labeling the Chinese presence as parasitic rather than beneficial. The recent postponement of RightsCon, a human rights summit, has starkly illustrated this chilling effect.
NSO Group Defies Court Order, Continues Targeting WhatsApp Users
Despite a court order blocking it from doing so, NSO Group continues to target WhatsApp users, defying the ruling and putting users at risk. The company is fighting to overturn the order, claiming it will suffer harm if it's forced to comply.
Military GPS Broadcasts Conceal Encryption Keys
For nearly two decades, the US military has been secretly broadcasting encryption codes through public GPS signals, turning satellites into hidden messengers that beam mysterious information to any device that uses GPS. This covert operation was uncovered by researchers, led by Steven Murdoch, who stumbled upon a digital trail that revealed the surprising truth.
Signal Warns UK Plan to Scan Devices for Nude Images Threatens Global Surveillance
Signal is sounding the alarm on the UK's plan to scan devices for nude images, warning that it threatens global surveillance and undermines the trust that underpins private communications. The encrypted messaging platform is urging caution, saying the proposed mechanism is not only ineffective in keeping children safe, but also dangerously dystopian.
Meta Alleges NSO Group Breaches Spyware Injunction
Meta just took a bold stand against NSO Group, the notorious spyware maker, by ramping up legal action after thwarting a sneaky phishing campaign aimed at WhatsApp users. The tech giant successfully blocked NSO-linked attempts to trick people into clicking malicious links, despite a US court injunction already in place.
Meta Disrupts NSO Group's WhatsApp Phishing Campaign
Meta detected and blocked a sneaky WhatsApp phishing campaign linked to NSO Group, where attackers tried to trick people into clicking malicious links that led to external websites. The company also filed a contempt order against NSO for allegedly violating a court injunction by targeting WhatsApp users.
China Expands AWAC Fleet with Advanced KJ-700 Radar Platform
China's latest KJ-700 Radar platform is a game-changer, boasting not two, but four side-looking airborne radars that supercharge its airborne warning and control capabilities. This upgraded variant has been spotted with two AESA panels behind each wing and two additional panels ahead, marking a significant leap forward.
Trump's Pick for Intel Chief Jeopardizes Surveillance Powers Deal
President Trump's surprise pick for intel chief, William Pulte, has thrown a wrench into a fragile deal to extend a critical surveillance authority, sparking concerns from lawmakers that his appointment could put politics over national security. With Pulte's lack of experience and questionable past, some are worried that the nation's intelligence operations may be weaponized for personal gain.
Russia Exposes Alleged Smartphone Spy Operation by Foreign Agencies
Russia's Federal Security Service has blown the whistle on a massive smartphone spy operation allegedly carried out by foreign agencies, compromising the phones of senior officials and putting their integrity at risk. The shocking revelation raises questions about the extent of the breach and the credibility of the public attribution.
Foreign Adversaries Exploit Location Data to Track US Troops in War Zones
Foreign adversaries are using commercial location data to track US troops in war zones, putting their lives at risk by revealing their whereabouts and patterns of movement to potential attackers. This alarming practice allows enemies to target troops with missiles, drones, and roadside bombs, and even aids in counterintelligence efforts.
Met Police Surveillance Exposes Data Requests Surge
The Metropolitan Police made a staggering 700,000+ requests to tech companies in 2025 to access private communications data, helping officers solve crimes, find missing people, and gather crucial intelligence. This massive surge in data requests highlights the force's growing reliance on digital information to keep London safe.
Spyware Exploits Intimate Partner Abuse Globally
The dark side of technology has enabled a staggering 14,500 people across 128 countries to allegedly buy and use commercial spyware, giving them unrestricted access to intimate details of others' lives. This invasive software can track locations, activate microphones, and even compromise devices without a single click.
Zero-Knowledge Proofs Evolve to Bypass Age-Verification Checks
As the digital landscape continues to shift, it's only a matter of time before you'll have to face the music - and the cameras - when it comes to age verification checks. But what's really behind these on-camera checks: protecting kids or creating a way for governments to control access to online platforms?
Meta Reverses Instagram Encryption Stance
Meta has backtracked on its plan to introduce end-to-end encryption for Instagram messages, leaving direct messages stored and transmitted in plaintext, giving the company access to user conversations. This move reverses years of promotion for enhanced messaging security.
UK Age-Gating Plans Threaten Internet Openness, Privacy Groups Warn
Privacy groups, including EFF and Mozilla, are warning that UK age-gating plans could threaten the openness and freedom of the internet, stifling opportunities for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. The proposed measures have sparked a joint public pushback from leading advocates for civil liberties and online rights.
Stalkerware Breach Exposes Risks for Executives
A shocking stalkerware breach has exposed a treasure trove of sensitive information, including 86,859 images - seemingly screenshots from a single victim's device - used to secretly stalk a high-profile European entrepreneur and media personality. The alarming leak highlights the very real risks executives face in the digital age.
FTC Bars Kochava from Selling Location Data Without Consent
The Federal Trade Commission is taking a stand against Kochava, proposing an order that would require the company to obtain explicit consent from Americans before selling their precise location data, and only use it for services they directly requested. This move aims to put an end to the sale of sensitive location information without users' knowledge or consent.
Supreme Court Weighs Limits on Geofence Warrants
The Supreme Court is set to tackle a pressing question: do geofence warrants, a relatively new law enforcement tool, overstep constitutional boundaries? This high-stakes case, Chatrie v. The United States, could have far-reaching implications for digital privacy and police power.
UK Judges Uphold Police Use of Live Facial Recognition in London
The High Court has ruled that the Metropolitan Police Service can continue using live facial recognition in London, confirming that the technology is lawful and effective in keeping the public safe. This decision is a major win for the MPS, which has been using LFR to tackle crime and protect Londoners.
Mexican Surveillance Firm Expands into US Market
A Mexican surveillance company is setting its sights on the US market, raising important questions about the intersection of technology, law, commerce, and civic values. Grupo Seguritech's expansion into new territory sparks a complex conversation about the implications of increased surveillance.
Satellite Firms Blur Military Tracking with Hybrid Constellations
As commercial satellite companies like Vantor merge high and low-resolution imaging in hybrid constellations, the boundaries between what's hidden and what's observable are rapidly shifting. This game-changing approach enables armed forces to rethink their secrecy in a world where the skies are increasingly transparent.
India-Tied Hack-for-Hire Group Targets MENA Journalists
Meet the shadowy hack-for-hire group with ties to India that's targeting journalists and activists in the Middle East and North Africa, silencing voices and stifling free speech. Their sinister operations have been uncovered by security researchers, revealing a chilling espionage trade where reporters, officials, and dissenting voices are prime targets.
RQ-180 Stealth Drone Spotted Flying Over Greece in Broad Daylight
A top-secret stealth drone, the massive RQ-180, has been spotted flying in broad daylight over Greece, revealing new details about its design and presence. The unusual daytime sighting of this covert aircraft is providing fresh insights into its configuration and capabilities.