ICE reactivates contract with spyware maker Paragon | TechCrunch

"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a contract last year with Israeli spyware maker Paragon worth $2 million. Shortly after, the Biden administration put the contract under review, issuing a "stop work order," to determine whether the contract complied with an executive order on commercial spyware, which restricts U.S. government agencies from using spyware that could violate human rights or target Americans abroad."

"Paragon has for years cultivated the image of being an "ethical" and responsible spyware maker, in contrast with controversial spyware purveyors such as Hacking Team, Intellexa, and NSO Group. On its official website, Paragon claims to provide its customers with "ethically based tools, teams, and insights." The spyware maker faces an ethical dilemma. Now that the contract with ICE's Information Technology Division is active, it's up to Paragon to decide whether it wants to continue its relationship with ICE, which has expanded its surveillance powers."

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement signed a $2 million contract last year with Israeli spyware maker Paragon. The Biden administration shortly placed a stop work order to review compliance with an executive order limiting use of commercial spyware that could violate human rights or target Americans abroad. Nearly a year later ICE lifted the stop work order and the contract modification noted licensing, hardware, warranty, maintenance, and training. Independent reporting identified the update. Paragon markets itself as an ethical spyware vendor and now faces a decision whether to continue working with ICE, which has expanded deportation and surveillance powers.

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