The business of espionage

Private firms are selling spying tools and mass surveillance technologies to nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, promising to enable them to snoop on millions of emails, text messages and phone calls. The Guardian reports research by watchdog Privacy International showed how firms peddled the capabilities at private trade fairs. Mass surveillance capabilities are associated with Britain’s GCHQ and United States’ National Security Agency after revelations by whistleblower Edward Snowden. Human rights groups have raised the alarm, saying regulation is necessary. One firm offers “massive passive monitoring” equipment, while some cameras are hidden in cola cans, bricks or children’s car seats. Another manufacturer turns cars or vans into surveillance control centres.

Read the full story on The Guardian.

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