In News:

The Trump administration has unfrozen a stalled Biden-era contract with Paragon Solutions, granting the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to its spyware tool Graphite. The contract, worth $2 million, was initially signed in September 2024 under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) but paused due to concerns over violating the March 2023 executive order restricting spyware procurement.

About Graphite Spyware

• Nature: Advanced spyware capable of remote mobile phone access and control.
• Capabilities:
  • Access photos, messages, and location data.
  • Intercept encrypted communications (WhatsApp, Signal).
  • Convert device into a listening tool by manipulating its microphone.

Paragon Solutions and Background

• Founded in Israel; co-founded by former PM Ehud Barak.
• Acquired in late 2024 by AE Industrial Partners (Florida) for $900 million.
• AE also owns REDLattice, a cyber-intelligence firm with ex-CIA officials.
• Track record:
  • Claims to sell only to governments and law enforcement agencies for crime prevention.
  • Terminated contract with Italy (Feb 2025) after WhatsApp (Meta) flagged misuse against journalists and activists in 24 countries.

Concerns and Implications

• Civil liberties: May expand ICE’s surveillance on undocumented immigrants, raising due process concerns.
• Rights at risk: Free speech and privacy could be undermined if spyware is misused.
• Expert view: Nadine Farid Johnson (Knight First Amendment Institute) warned that bypassing vetting requirements threatens constitutional safeguards.

Understanding Spyware

• Definition: Malicious software that collects data from devices and transmits it without user consent.
• Common Types:
  • Adware: Tracks user activity, sells data to advertisers.
  • Infostealers: Extracts sensitive data, including chats and files.
  • Keyloggers: Record keystrokes, capturing passwords and personal information.