Archive · 4 Sep 2025
ICE Gains Access to Spyware Graphite Amidst Surveillance Concerns
ICE, a US government agency, is now allowed to use a powerful spying tool called Graphite, made by Paragon Solutions.
This tool can secretly access your phone, read your messages, track your location, and even listen to your conversations.
Paragon Solutions claims it only sells to governments for fighting serious crime, but the spyware was used to target journalists and activists in Europe.
The previous administration had paused the use of this tool, but the current administration has reversed this decision.
Critics are worried this could violate people's privacy and free speech, especially concerning undocumented immigrants.
The Trump administration is allowing ICE to use Paragon Solutions' Graphite spyware.
Graphite can access phone data including messages and location.
Paragon Solutions was co-founded by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
The Biden administration had paused the contract due to privacy concerns.
Experts fear increased surveillance of immigrants and potential abuse of power.
- Who
- ICE, Paragon Solutions, and potentially journalists and activists.
- What
- ICE is gaining access to Graphite spyware.
- When
- The Trump administration unfroze the contract in an unspecified time.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To expand surveillance capabilities.
- Spyware Name
- Graphite
- Company
- Paragon Solutions
- Parent Company
- AE Industrial Partners
- ICE Access
- Granted by Trump Administration
- Graphite Function
- Mobile phone surveillance
- Contract Value (Initial)
- $2 million