Rights group questions DEA exploit of encrypted cellphones

In the first known case of its kind, US drug agents supplied unwitting cocaine-trafficking suspects in California with smartphones they thought were encrypted but had been rigged to allow eavesdropping, Human Rights Watch reported.

The advocacy group said yesterday it feared the technique could be abused to violate the privacy of non-criminals.

"I think there are real debates to be had as to whether that is lawful or should be lawful," said HRW researcher Sarah St Vincent. "They could use this on peaceful protesters, (though) there's no evidence of that."
"We can't comment on the case or any of the techniques used until the case is fully adjudicated," Sparks said, adding that the DEA was not going to "give out investigative techniques one way or the other, especially with ongoing cases awaiting adjudication."