Sen. Peters Demands ICE Accountability on Spyware Purchase

Senator Gary Peters is demanding an explanation from ICE regarding its $2 million purchase of Graphite, a commercial spyware capable of covertly accessing personal data on phones. The spyware, developed by Paragon Solutions and owned by REDLattice, can collect messages, photos, and location information without user consent. Peters raised concerns about potential civil liberties violations and the implications for national security, citing reports of its use against journalists and activists in other countries. He requested details on the legal authority for its use, the scope of its deployment, and whether it has been used domestically. Peters has set an August 7 deadline for ICE to respond to his inquiries. The purchase and use of Graphite represent a significant expansion of surveillance capabilities by DHS and ICE, raising alarms about privacy rights and oversight.

Key Points: • Sen. Gary Peters demands ICE explain its $2 million purchase of Graphite spyware. • Graphite can access personal data on phones, raising civil liberties concerns. • Peters has requested information on the legal authority and domestic use of the spyware.