Citizen Lab found traces of Cellebrite’s commercial data-extraction technology on Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi’s phone after his arrest, suggesting his private communications and photos were accessed. The discovery adds to allegations of Cellebrite being used against activists in multiple countries and has sparked calls for the company to publish its sales vetting criteria and license-revocation record. #Cellebrite #BonifaceMwangi
Keypoints
- Citizen Lab identified indicators of a Cellebrite-linked application (com.client.appA) on Mwangi’s returned phone.
- Mwangi’s phone had its password protection removed and contained his private communications and family photos.
- Cellebrite technology has reportedly been used by authorities in Serbia, Hong Kong, Jordan, Botswana and Myanmar against journalists and activists.
- Cellebrite states it enforces rigorous vetting and can terminate licenses, but critics demand transparency on approval criteria and revoked licenses.
- Mwangi, a long-time government critic planning a 2027 presidential bid, remains subject to an ongoing criminal case after his arrest amid protests over extrajudicial killings.
Read More: https://therecord.media/spyware-kenya-cellebrite-activist