What it’s about
Amnesty International has released a report detailing claims that Serbian officials employed espionage tactics, using technology including Israeli-made Cellebrite products, to infiltrate the phones of journalists and activists. This report highlights allegations of unauthorized surveillance activities in Serbia.
Why it matters
The report places a spotlight on the critical role played by technology in both national security and civil liberties, urging the need for ethical interactions by government authorities. The participation of Israeli firm Cellebrite underscores ongoing concerns about globally available surveillance technology.
NoviSpy Software Allegations
According to Amnesty, Serbian authorities utilized a local spyware named “NoviSpy” to collect private data from targeted individuals’ devices. The spyware allegedly captured screenshots, contacts, and uploaded them to a government-run server. The incidents brought forward suspicious digital activities highlighted by activists and journalists, amplifying concerns regarding private data safety following encounters with Serbian officials.
Response from Serbian Authorities
The Serbian BIA dismissed the Amnesty report, stating that the claims were baseless and reaffirmed their actions as law-abiding. Despite repeated requests for comment, Serbia’s further official response remains unaddressed.
Cellebrite’s Stance and Global Context
Cellebrite has acknowledged the Amnesty report and asserted that if the accusations hold, would contravene their licensing terms, likely leading to action against misuse. Israeli-based Cellebrite emphasizes their intention to support judicial investigation and ensure technology isn’t misused, resonating with global debates on privacy and state surveillance. Additionally, in the past, Cellebrite’s tech utility has sparked debates about its scope of distribution.
Foreign Backed Assistance Misused?
Amnesty’s debrief revealed connections to internationals collaborations meant to advance Serbia’s EU integration ambitions under Norwegian funding. The temporary halt of such deliveries from Norway and subsequent diplomatic interventions suggest serious diplomatic leverage and conversations around foreign assurance arrangements endeavoring in-style compliance from beneficiaries.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.