Category: Surveillance of Citizens by Government

Who Paid for a Mysterious Spy Tool? The F.B.I., an F.B.I. Inquiry Found

After a Times report, the bureau canceled its contract with a government contractor that used the tool on its behalf. But questions remain.
U.S. and E.U. Finalize Long-Awaited Deal on Sharing Data

The agreement ends legal uncertainty for Meta, Google and scores of companies — at least for now.
Facial Recognition Powers ‘Automated Apartheid’ in Israel, Report Says

The Israeli government is using computer vision to monitor Palestinian travel across checkpoints, according to the report.
How Mexico Became the Biggest User of the Pegasus Spyware

A Times investigation reveals the story behind how Mexico became the first and most prolific user of Pegasus. It’s still using it, despite promising to stop.
Police Relied on Hidden Technology and Put the Wrong Person in Jail

Randal Reid spent nearly a week in confinement, falsely accused of stealing purses in a state he said he had never even visited.
A.I., Brain Scans and Cameras: The Spread of Police Surveillance Tech

In the Middle East, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies have become part of everyday policing.
China Denies Pressuring Companies Like TikTok to Spy on Users

China’s foreign ministry rebuffed claims made by U.S. lawmakers at a hearing on Thursday that TikTok could be a tool of surveillance for the Chinese government.
Meta Manager Was Hacked With Spyware and Wiretapped in Greece

Artemis Seaford, a dual U.S.-Greek national, was targeted with a cyberespionage tool while also under a wiretap by the Greek spy agency in a case that shows the spread of illicit snooping in Europe.
Justice Dept. Investigating TikTok’s Owner Over Possible Spying on Journalists

The inquiry appears to be tied to an admission by the app’s owner, ByteDance, that employees had inappropriately obtained Americans’ data. The company said it had fired the workers involved.
Inside the Face-Off Between Russia and a Small Internet Access Firm

The cat-and-mouse experience of Proton, a Swiss company, shows what it’s like to be targeted by Russian censors — and what it takes to fight back.
How China’s Police Used Phones and Faces to Track Protesters

After a weekend of protests, the authorities in China are using the country’s all-seeing surveillance apparatus to find those bold enough to defy them.
How Free Is the Press in the Birthplace of Democracy?

Reporters under surveillance. Political opponents being wiretapped. The scandal is called the ‘Greek Watergate.’ But not enough people are paying attention.