The Department of Homeland Security stated that ICE has no current contract with spyware maker Paragon Solutions, despite a previously reactivated deal. Questions remain about ICE's use of other commercial spyware tools.
The US is reversing its hardline stance on commercial spyware, with ICE acknowledging its use and the Trump administration lifting sanctions and reviving contracts. Critics fear this signals a broader acceptance of spyware, potentially impacting privacy and civil liberties.
The U.K. National Cyber Security Centre will reveal Wednesday that more than half of the world's governments—approximately 100 countries—now have access to commercial spyware capable of breaking into computers and phones to steal sensitive information. This represents an increase from 80 countries estimated in 2023. The tools, developed by companies like NSO Group (Pegasus) and Paragon (Graphite), were originally marketed for targeting criminal and terror suspects but have been misused to target journalists, critics, and political adversaries. UK intelligence now says victimology has expanded to include bankers and wealthy businesspeople.
