Jordanian Authorities Utilize Israeli Forensic Technology Against Activists

A recent investigation by the Citizen Lab has revealed that Jordanian authorities are employing Israeli digital forensic tools, specifically those developed by Cellebrite, to extract sensitive information from the mobile phones of activists and protesters critical of Israel and supportive of Gaza. This multiyear study indicates that the use of such technology may violate international human rights treaties to which Jordan is a signatory.

The Guardian

The Citizen Lab's findings suggest that Jordanian security forces have utilized Cellebrite's forensic extraction tools against various members of civil society, including political activists, student organizers, and human rights defenders. The forensic capabilities of Cellebrite allow authorities to access a wide array of data from mobile devices, including photos, videos, chat histories, and even deleted files. The investigation analyzed four mobile phones belonging to individuals who had been detained or interrogated, confirming that all devices had undergone forensic extraction.

The Guardian

One notable case involved a political activist whose iPhone was seized after an interrogation by Jordan's general intelligence department. The phone remained in custody for 35 days, during which it was subjected to forensic analysis. In another instance, a student activist was compelled to unlock their phone using Apple’s Face ID while in custody, leading to further scrutiny of their device.

The Guardian

The use of Cellebrite's technology raises significant concerns regarding the infringement of civil liberties in Jordan. The Citizen Lab asserts that the surveillance practices employed by Jordanian authorities likely contravene the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which mandates strict limitations on the surveillance of political dissidents. The targeted individuals have not been named due to fears of reprisals.

The Guardian

Cellebrite has responded to the allegations, emphasizing that its technology is forensic and intended for use in accordance with legal due process. A spokesperson stated that the company conducts thorough vetting of potential customers against human rights standards and has previously ceased operations in jurisdictions where risks were deemed incompatible with its values. The spokesperson also noted that the company takes allegations of misuse seriously and investigates claims in line with its ethics policies.

The Guardian

The Jordanian government has not issued a response to inquiries regarding these practices, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.

The Guardian

Cellebrite's tools have been implicated in similar surveillance activities in various countries, including Myanmar, Botswana, Serbia, and Belarus, raising questions about the global implications of its technology on civil society and human rights. The ongoing use of such tools in Jordan highlights the potential for abuse in the context of political dissent and the need for greater accountability in the deployment of surveillance technologies.

The Guardian