t24.com.tr
Serbia: Amnesty International Exposes Illegal Use of Spyware Against Activists
Amnesty International's report exposes the illegal use of Cellebrite's mobile forensic tools and NoviSpy spyware by Serbian police and intelligence services to monitor journalists, environmental activists, and human rights defenders; the spyware was linked to the Serbian Security Information Agency (BIA).
- How did Cellebrite's technology facilitate the surveillance, and what role did the Android spyware "NoviSpy" play?
- Amnesty International's findings show Cellebrite's technology, capable of unlocking Android and iPhones and extracting data without passwords, was used in conjunction with NoviSpy, which enabled remote camera and microphone control of targeted devices. This technology facilitated the illegal surveillance of journalists like Slavisa Milanov and activist Nikola Ristic, whose phones were found to be infected.
- What are the broader implications of this case for the future of digital surveillance and the protection of human rights?
- The misuse of Cellebrite's technology in Serbia highlights the potential for advanced surveillance tools to be used to suppress dissent and violate human rights. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter regulation of such technologies and greater accountability for companies that supply them, to prevent future abuses.
- What specific evidence shows the illegal use of mobile forensic tools and spyware by Serbian authorities against journalists and activists?
- A report by Amnesty International reveals that Serbian police and intelligence services illegally used advanced mobile forensic tools and spyware to monitor journalists, environmental activists, and human rights defenders. The report details how Cellebrite's mobile forensic products were used to unlock and extract data from devices infected with "NoviSpy", an Android spyware. Serbian authorities haven't commented.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraphs immediately establish a critical tone, highlighting the illegal surveillance and human rights violations. This framing predisposes readers to view the actions of Serbian authorities negatively. The report prioritizes the negative impact of the surveillance on journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, overshadowing any potential counterarguments.
Language Bias
The report uses strong language like "illegal methods," "spyware," and "human rights violations." While accurate, this loaded language reinforces a negative perception of Serbian authorities. More neutral alternatives could include phrases like "unlawful methods" and "surveillance technologies," allowing for a more balanced representation.
Bias by Omission
The report focuses on the use of Cellebrite and NoviSpy software, but doesn't explore other potential surveillance methods used by Serbian authorities. There is no mention of alternative explanations for the surveillance or the potential for similar activities in other countries. The lack of information on the scale of the problem, or comparative analysis with other nations, limits the scope of understanding.
False Dichotomy
The report frames the issue as a clear-cut case of human rights abuse through illegal surveillance. It doesn't explore nuances such as the potential legal justification Serbian authorities might claim for their actions, or the potential benefits of such technologies in preventing crime. The absence of alternative viewpoints limits a full understanding of the complexities involved.
Sustainable Development Goals
The report highlights the misuse of surveillance technologies by Serbian authorities to target journalists, environmental activists, and human rights defenders. This undermines the rule of law, restricts freedom of expression, and violates fundamental human rights, thus negatively impacting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The use of spyware like NoviSpy and Pegasus creates an environment of fear and intimidation, hindering the ability of civil society to operate freely and hold authorities accountable.