Jordan used Israeli phone-cracking tool to surveil pro-Gaza activists, report finds

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Stephanie KirchgaessnerJanuary 22, 2026 at 02:00 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A Citizen Lab report revealed that Jordanian security authorities are likely using Cellebrite, an Israeli phone-cracking tool, to surveil pro-Gaza activists and other members of civil society. The multiyear investigation found evidence of Cellebrite's use on the phones of political activists, a student organizer, and a human rights defender between January 2024 and June 2025. The tool can extract extensive data, including photos, chats, passwords, and location history, potentially violating international human rights treaties ratified by Jordan. Researchers analyzed seized phones and court records, indicating that authorities targeted individuals critical of Israel and supportive of Gaza. The report highlights concerns about the targeting of political dissidents and civil society with surveillance technology.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Apple 40% International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 50% Gaza 60% Jordan's general intelligence department 60% Israel ×270% Jordanian security authorities 75% Citizen Lab ×380% Cellebrite ×485% Jordan ×790%

Keywords

surveillance 90% cellebrite 80% jordan 80% citizen lab 70% phone-cracking tool 70% pro-gaza activists 70% human rights 60% civil society 60% digital forensics 60% data extraction 50%