India Exempts Israeli Firm from Procurement Rules for Phone-Hacking Tech

• •India has exempted Cellebrite from procurement rules, allowing advanced surveillance tech purchases.
• •At least 422 foreign technology items can now be acquired by government agencies.
• •Experts express concerns over the lack of legal oversight for expanded surveillance capabilities.

India has exempted an Israeli phone-hacking company, Cellebrite, from its domestic procurement rules, allowing government agencies to purchase advanced phone-extraction and surveillance technology. Minister Amit Shah approved waivers to 'Make in India' rules, enabling the acquisition of at least 422 foreign items. This includes tools capable of accessing data from social media platforms and connected devices. Both federal and opposition-controlled state governments have reportedly acquired similar technologies. Experts warn that this expansion of surveillance capabilities occurs in a legal grey zone, lacking adequate oversight. The legal framework does not provide sufficient guardrails against overreaching surveillance, raising concerns about mass surveillance practices. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was permitted to purchase Cellebrite's Premium Tool for approximately $530,000. The implications of these acquisitions could significantly impact privacy rights in India.