Sen. Peters wants to know why ICE bought spyware that can take control of phones
Sen. Gary Peters is demanding that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement explain why it purchased commercial spyware capable of covertly taking control of phones and collecting personal data.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Sen. Gary Peters is calling on ICE to explain its purchase of Graphite, a surveillance tool that can collect messages, photographs, location information, and other personal data. Peters is concerned about potential civil liberties concerns and risks to U.S. national security.
Sen. Gary Peters is asking ICE to explain why it bought a tool that can secretly take control of people's phones and collect their personal data. Peters is worried that this tool could be used to target Americans and violate their civil liberties.
Analysis
A $60B Vote of Confidence
Sen. Gary Peters' demand for ICE to explain its purchase of Graphite, a surveillance tool capable of collecting personal data, is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the use of such technology. The $2 million, sole-source purchase of Graphite is one of the most significant expansions of DHS and ICE's surveillance ambitions to date. Peters' concerns about the potential misuse of Graphite are not unfounded, given public reporting that more than 90 journalists and civil society members were targeted by the technology across several countries.
Why Cursor?
The ranking member's inquiry seeks clarity on whether the software has been deployed domestically, who has been targeted, and the legal authority supporting its use. Peters is also concerned about the potential impact on Americans' civil liberties, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about ICE's collection of information involving protests, social media posts, and other First Amendment-protected activities.
The Road Ahead
Peters' demand for an immediate briefing and the provision of documents and answers about the spyware's use, oversight, and security is a significant step in the right direction. The ranking member's commitment to ensuring that ICE is transparent about its use of surveillance technology is a crucial aspect of maintaining trust in the agency. As the debate about the use of surveillance technology continues, it is essential that lawmakers like Peters remain vigilant and ensure that the rights of Americans are protected.
Key points
- Sen. Gary Peters is demanding that ICE explain its purchase of Graphite, a surveillance tool capable of collecting personal data.
- Peters is concerned about potential civil liberties concerns and risks to U.S. national security.
- The ranking member is seeking clarity on whether the software has been deployed domestically, who has been targeted, and the legal authority supporting its use.
If ICE is transparent about its use of Graphite and provides clear answers to Sen. Peters' questions, it could help to build trust in the agency and ensure that the rights of Americans are protected.
If ICE continues to use Graphite without transparency and oversight, it could lead to further erosion of trust in the agency and potentially violate Americans' civil liberties.
