Russia's Continued Use of Cellebrite Tools Raises Concerns
In June 2021, Russian authorities utilized Cellebrite's Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED) to access the iPhone of detained human rights activist Andrey Pivovarov. This occurred despite Cellebrite's public announcement in March 2021 that it had ceased all sales and services to Russian government agencies. The extracted data reportedly included communications from encrypted messaging apps, which were subsequently used to surveil other dissidents. This incident underscores the challenges technology companies face in controlling the use of their tools post-sale, especially when they are employed for political repression. The case highlights the need for robust mechanisms to prevent the misuse of surveillance technologies by authoritarian regimes, even after contractual relationships have been terminated.
Kill Chain









