Authorities in Jordan reportedly utilized an Israeli digital tool to extract data from the mobile phones of activists and protesters critical of Israel and supportive of Gaza, according to a new report by the Citizen Lab.
Digital Extraction and Targeted Individuals
A multiyear investigation indicates Jordanian security authorities have been employing forensic extraction tools created by Cellebrite against members of civil society. Those targeted include two political activists, a student organizer, and a human rights defender, researchers stated.
The Cellebrite tool, when used by authorities with physical access to a device, is capable of extracting a wide range of data. This includes photos, videos, chats, files, saved passwords, location history, wifi history, phone usage records, web history, social media accounts, and, in some instances, data a user attempted to delete.
Potential Human Rights Violations
The Citizen Lab’s investigation of seized devices and court records suggests the use of Cellebrite by Jordanian authorities “likely violated human rights treaties Jordan has ratified.” The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) requires Jordan to adhere to strict limitations when surveilling political dissidents and civil society.
Researchers analyzed four mobile phones between January 2024 and June 2025 belonging to individuals detained, arrested, or interrogated by Jordanian authorities. All four devices were found to have undergone forensic extraction using Cellebrite.
Due to fears of reprisal, the identities of those targeted have not been released. In one instance, an activist’s iPhone was seized for 35 days following an interrogation by Jordan’s general intelligence department. In another, officers unlocked a student activist’s phone using Face ID while holding it to their face; the activist was imprisoned the following day and found a passcode taped to the back of their phone upon release.
Cellebrite’s Response
A Cellebrite spokesperson stated the company’s technology is “forensic in nature” and used to access data “only in accordance with legal due process or with appropriate consent” after an event has occurred. The spokesperson also noted the company vets potential customers based on human rights parameters and has ceased business in jurisdictions deemed high-risk.
Cellebrite added that it takes allegations of misuse seriously and investigates claims in accordance with its ethics and integrity policies.
The Jordanian government did not respond to a request for comment.
Reports indicate Cellebrite products have been used to target civil society members in Myanmar, Botswana, Serbia, and Belarus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of data can Cellebrite extract from a phone?
According to the report, Cellebrite’s tool can extract photos, videos, chats, files, saved passwords, location history, wifi history, phone usage records, web history, social media accounts, and even data a user has attempted to delete.
What is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)?
The ICCPR is a human rights treaty Jordan has ratified, requiring the country to comply with strict limits on the surveillance of political dissidents and civil society.
Did Cellebrite acknowledge potential misuse of its technology?
Yes, a Cellebrite spokesperson stated the company takes allegations of misuse seriously and investigates claims in accordance with its ethics and integrity policies.
As digital forensic tools become more sophisticated, what safeguards are necessary to balance legitimate law enforcement needs with the fundamental rights of citizens?
