Cellebrite Suspends Services to Serbia over Spyware Abuse Claims

Cellebrite, an Israeli surveillance firm, has suspended its services to Serbian police following an Amnesty International report that alleged misuse of its technology to install spyware on the phones of journalists and activists. The report claimed that Serbian authorities utilized Cellebrite's forensic tools to bypass security measures and deploy malware known as NoviSpy during police detentions. In response, Cellebrite stated it conducted an investigation into the allegations and determined that it was appropriate to cease providing its products to Serbia. The company emphasized the need for ethical use of its technology and committed to reassessing its relationships with governments based on human rights records. Amnesty International welcomed the decision but called for stronger due diligence to prevent future misuse of surveillance technology in Serbia. They urged that no further exports of such technology occur until proper oversight mechanisms are established.