Key Facts
- ✓ Canadian researchers at Citizen Lab have identified forensic artifacts consistent with Cellebrite software on devices seized by Jordanian authorities.
- ✓ The software was allegedly used to unlock phones belonging to protesters arrested for posting critical content regarding the war in Gaza on social media.
- ✓ Cellebrite is an Israeli company that provides digital forensic solutions to law enforcement agencies worldwide.
- ✓ The investigation highlights the role of the University of Toronto-based Citizen Lab in uncovering digital surveillance practices in the Middle East.
- ✓ Jordanian authorities targeted citizens organizing protests via social media, leading to the seizure and analysis of their digital devices.
Digital Trails Uncovered
A Canadian research organization has identified the use of Israeli forensic technology in the prosecution of political protesters in Jordan. The findings suggest that Cellebrite, a powerful phone-cracking software, was deployed on devices seized by authorities responding to dissent.
The investigation centers on the arrest of individuals critical of the war in Gaza. As social media posts sparked government action, the digital evidence gathered against these protesters has come under scrutiny for its origins and methods.
The Investigation Findings
Researchers at Citizen Lab, based at the University of Toronto, announced the discovery of digital forensic artifacts on phones confiscated by Jordanian security forces. These artifacts are consistent with the signature of Cellebrite Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED) software.
The software is widely used by law enforcement agencies globally to bypass encryption and extract data from mobile phones. In this specific context, the technology was reportedly utilized to unlock devices seized from protesters.
- Devices were taken from individuals posting critical content about the Gaza war.
- Forensic analysis revealed traces of extraction software.
- The technology originates from the Israeli firm Cellebrite.
- Findings were published by the Canadian-based Citizen Lab.
Context of the Protests
The arrests occurred amidst widespread public demonstrations in Jordan regarding the conflict in Gaza. Jordanian authorities moved against citizens who utilized social media platforms to express dissent and organize protests.
By targeting the digital communications of these individuals, the state effectively bridged the gap between online expression and physical protest. The use of advanced forensic tools indicates a sophisticated approach to gathering evidence in cases involving digital dissent.
The post Jordan used Israeli forensic tools in prosecutions of Gaza war protesters — report appeared first on The Times of Israel.
Technology and Surveillance
Cellebrite is an Israeli company known for its data extraction solutions, utilized by police forces, intelligence agencies, and military units worldwide. The software can bypass security features on smartphones, allowing access to messages, photos, and location data.
The presence of this software on devices in Jordan highlights the global reach of surveillance technology. It demonstrates how tools developed for law enforcement can be applied in political contexts to monitor and prosecute dissent.
- Software bypasses device encryption and security.
- Extracts data including messages, photos, and contacts.
- Used by law enforcement in over 100 countries.
- Originates from an Israeli technology firm.
International Implications
The revelation places a spotlight on the Canada-based Citizen Lab, an organization dedicated to investigating digital espionage and surveillance. Their forensic analysis provides the technical evidence linking the software to the seized devices.
This incident underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. It involves the intersection of Israeli technology, Jordanian domestic policy, and Canadian research capabilities, all converging around the sensitive issue of the Gaza war protests.
Key Takeaways
The evidence presented by Citizen Lab confirms the integration of advanced forensic tools in the Jordanian legal process regarding political protesters. This marks a significant instance of digital surveillance impacting civil dissent.
As the use of such technology becomes more prevalent, the scrutiny on its application and the transparency of its use by state actors will likely remain a critical area of focus for researchers and human rights advocates alike.
