Cellebrite, an Israeli company specializing in phone-cracking software, has announced that it will no longer license its technology to the Serbian government. This decision comes after a December report by Amnesty International accused Serbian authorities of using Cellebrite’s software to unlawfully access civilians’ phones and install spyware. Amnesty’s investigation revealed that the Serbian government had systematically targeted civil society members, including journalists and activists, for surveillance using the software. The company’s decision marks a significant response to concerns about human rights violations related to its products.
Cellebrite explained that it evaluates its relationships with governments based on both annual and ad-hoc reviews, considering political and cultural shifts.
Following an investigation into Amnesty’s findings, the company concluded that Serbia had violated ethical and legal standards in its use of the software. Cellebrite emphasized its commitment to ensuring that its technology is used to promote justice and protect lives, asserting that the ethical, judicial, and lawful use of its products is critical to its mission. As part of its compliance efforts, the company also takes into account factors such as a country’s human rights record before engaging in business dealings.
Serbia, led by an increasingly authoritarian government, has faced widespread criticism for its suppression of independent media, civil society, and political dissidents. The country’s government has targeted various civil organizations and opposition groups, using surveillance measures to stifle dissent. Amnesty’s report highlighted specific instances where members of the press and activists were targeted with digital surveillance, including investigative reporter Slaviša Milanov, who reported having his phone compromised by the authorities after being detained during a routine traffic stop. This event reflects a broader trend of repression against freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the country.
Amnesty International has called for stronger safeguards to prevent the misuse of surveillance technology by authoritarian regimes.
The organization has urged Cellebrite to strengthen its due diligence processes to prevent its products from enabling human rights abuses. Amnesty’s statement emphasized the need for greater control and oversight in countries like Serbia, where citizens’ privacy and freedom of expression are under threat. The organization has urged the cessation of all surveillance technology exports to Serbia until reforms are made to ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
