surveillance Archives

This photo taken on March 23, 2022 shows the mobile messaging and call service Telegram logo and U.S. instant messaging software Whatsapp logo on a smartphone screen in Moscow. (Photo by AFP)

Russia restricts WhatsApp, Telegram calls, alleging criminal, terrorist activity

The two messaging apps replied separately, commenting on user rights and efforts to counter crime.

Aug 13, 2025 By Tim Starks

Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin Guzman Loera aka “el Chapo Guzman” (C), is escorted by marines as he is presented to the press in 2014 in Mexico City. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Hacker helped kill FBI sources, witnesses in El Chapo case, according to watchdog report

A cartel affiliate notified an FBI agent about a hacker who infiltrated cameras and phones to track an FBI official’s meetings, the DOJ inspector general said.

Jun 28, 2025 By Tim Starks

Shanghai, China; AerialPerspective Images, Getty Images

35 countries use Chinese networks for transporting mobile user traffic, posing cyber risks

An analysis from iVerify found U.S. allies on the list where mobile providers employ China-based networks.

Apr 17, 2025 By Tim Starks

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) participates in a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building on April 01, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Privacy fights over expiring surveillance law loom after House hearing

At issue are warrant requirements sought by Judiciary Committee members and other gripes they have about the most recent Section 702 legislation.

Apr 8, 2025 By Tim Starks

Students, behind a banner reading “15 minutes for 15 lives,” block a street in Belgrade on Dec. 12, standing in silence to honor the 15 victims of the tragedy that occurred at the railway station in Novi Sad in November. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)

Amnesty International exposes Serbian police’s use of spyware on journalists, activists

The comprehensive report showed how Serbian law enforcement combined Cellebrite’s tech with a novel Android-focused spyware program.

Dec 16, 2024 By Tim Starks

Jessica Rosenworcel (L), Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr arrives to testify during a House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee hearing in 2022. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

FCC, for first time, proposes cybersecurity rules tied to wiretapping law

The proposed rules are a response to Salt Typhoon’s breach of at least eight U.S. telecom companies.

Dec 5, 2024 By Tim Starks

How a Russian man’s harrowing tale shows the physical dangers of spyware

Citizen Lab and a Russian exile-led human rights group investigated spyware implanted on his phone after he was detained, beaten up and released.

Dec 5, 2024 By Tim Starks

Super Typhoon Yutu, strongest storm on Earth in 2018. Satellite view. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. Getty Images

U.S. government says Salt Typhoon is still in telecom networks

The United States and other Western nations released guidance Tuesday designed to evict the China-linked group in the wake of the high-profile hack.

Dec 3, 2024 By Tim Starks

Sen. Richard Blumenthal speaks on July 11 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Bonnie Cash/Getty Images)

Sen. Blumenthal wants FCC to get busy on telecom wiretap security rules

The subcommittee chair said the FCC has the ability to act now in response to Salt Typhoon targeting the 2024 presidential campaigns.

Nov 19, 2024 By Tim Starks

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on July 8. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Exclusive: Senator calls on Commerce to tighten proposed rules on exporting surveillance, hacking tech to problematic nations

Ron Wyden, D-Ore., fears the regulations have a major loophole and don't cover enough repressive governments’ agencies.

Oct 31, 2024 By Tim Starks