By John Q. Hosedrinker 
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will soon have access to Graphite, a sophisticated hacking tool capable of infiltrating any mobile phone, including encrypted applications, following the lifting of a pause on a contract with Paragon Solutions. Despite the existence of an executive order limiting the use of spyware, ICE’s procurement of Graphite raises concerns due to the agency’s history of civil rights violations. The tool, designed outside the US, allows for tracking, message reading, photo access, and even the manipulation of the phone’s recorder, and has been previously used to target innocent individuals. Experts express concerns about the potential for misuse and the counterintelligence risks associated with using technology from a company that also serves foreign governments.
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Ice obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and encrypted apps, which is a pretty unsettling development, wouldn’t you say? It’s like the plot of a dystopian thriller coming to life. This isn’t just any software; it’s a sophisticated cyberweapon from outside the US, now in the hands of an agency – ICE – that’s already been accused of overstepping its bounds. That should give anyone pause, regardless of their political leanings.
The immediate concern, and it’s a valid one, is how this will be used. While the propaganda might suggest it’s only for “illegal immigrants,” the reality is much more complex. History, and frankly, common sense, tells us this technology could be used against anyone deemed a threat to the established order. Think about it: if the stated goal is “protecting” the population, the definition of “threat” can be stretched pretty thin. This sets the stage for potential violations of rights for anyone who opposes those in power.
This is the kind of overreach that the more politically right-leaning people have warned about for years. It’s the kind of thing that they warned about and often framed in terms of a looming “police state.” The big question is, what’s their response now? How will they react when the very thing they’ve been worried about is actually happening? And it’s not just them, frankly. It’s a concern for everyone. This technology, in the wrong hands, is a potential invasion of privacy on a massive scale. There are a lot of personal relationships that could be affected and potentially damaged by this new capability.
The fact that this technology originates from Israel is worth considering, especially given their experience in surveillance and security. It’s a bit like Israel serving as a test lab for these sorts of technologies. It’s concerning that US police forces have been trained in Israel, only to bring those same methods back and use them here. And it’s not just the software; it’s the techniques, the mindset, the whole approach.
If you’re feeling uneasy, there are steps you can take. Put your phone in a Faraday bag to block signals, or get a burner phone for any communications you want to keep private. Keep in mind that there are other ways to track a phone and people have been caught via their phones and data linked to their numbers. While it’s tempting to assume this is all new, the reality is that the FBI and other federal agencies have had similar capabilities for a while. It’s a continuation and expansion of something that’s been going on for a while now.
The implications of this are vast. The potential for abuse is enormous. Could this be used to dig up those erased Secret Service texts from January 6th? And how much will it take to convince these authorities not to use this ability against anyone they don’t like?
When the political winds change, it’s likely we’ll see a lot of civil rights complaints and lawsuits. The irony is thick: “small government” proponents using a technology like this. And, let’s be real, if the political tables were turned, would the same people be okay with this technology if it was used against “the other side?” The answer, I suspect, is no. It’s a classic case of “rules for thee, but not for me.”
It’s a grim prospect, a bit like a Black Mirror episode. Imagine the new potential for discrimination. Someone may be denied entry into a place simply because they’re not perceived to be the right… well, you know. And what does this mean for companies with business travelers coming to the US who might have sensitive data on their devices? Forget about privacy. This is not good for business.
The companies that created this type of software, like Paragon, claim to have no tolerance for its misuse. But how can they possibly enforce that if they don’t know how their clients are using it? The whole thing feels like it’s built on a lack of transparency, which is never a good sign when it comes to government surveillance. The burner phone market is about to explode, and for a good reason. I wouldn’t travel to the US without it.
Legally, the use of this technology is questionable. Search warrants usually require proof that less intrusive methods were attempted. Now, ICE probably doesn’t bother with the necessary warrants or provide sufficient evidence to a judge before searching phones. What’s the legal basis for this level of intrusion? And what happens to someone crossing the border with sensitive client data on a work phone? They’re in a no-win situation.
Ultimately, this technology is about expanding the power of government to monitor and control the population. It’s a tool for repression, plain and simple. They will keep overstepping until they are removed from office. Even when they are removed, make sure their legislature is undone. And who is going to download it? It’s only a matter of time before this type of software goes public.
This is being used to track phones, listen to calls, and read texts without warrants. The technology was developed in Israel, in order to surveil Gaza. They are going to use it on exes, rivals, and maybe even CEOs. Everything that Israel does to the Palestinians will be done to you. This is a case of history repeating itself, but with higher stakes.