The Intercept: ShadowDragon
A two-page spread visualizing the vast reach of the surveillance programs created by or related to ShadowDragon.
The Intercept has recently discovered the widespread use of surveillance programs created by ShadowDragon, a company that scours online data and exploits open source intelligence, or OSINT, to analyze patterns of behavior to identify persons of interest, ascertain their lifestyles, and even predict their future whereabouts.
The prediction of future crimes, also known as predictive policing, is increasingly used by various law enforcement agencies, yet it has been criticized by numerous civil rights organizations for its potential to generate discrimination and harm by targeting marginalized communities. OSINT data analysis and collection tools like SocialNet pull data from all online sources, including social media networks, chat platforms, the dark web, RSS feeds, and additional sources the public is unaware of. Paired with online policing, these programs create a vast network of identities, storing them as evidence.
ShadowDragon’s programs are being used by law enforcement agencies including the Michigan State Police and U.S. ICE. The way the public’s information is used is undisclosed, although the public funds these agencies.
We have a right to know.
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Reference: The Intercept's article "ShadowDragon: Inside the Social Media Surveillance Software That Can Watch Your Every Move" - September 2021
The Intercept has recently discovered the widespread use of surveillance programs created by ShadowDragon, a company that scours online data and exploits open source intelligence, or OSINT, to analyze patterns of behavior to identify persons of interest, ascertain their lifestyles, and even predict their future whereabouts.
The prediction of future crimes, also known as predictive policing, is increasingly used by various law enforcement agencies, yet it has been criticized by numerous civil rights organizations for its potential to generate discrimination and harm by targeting marginalized communities. OSINT data analysis and collection tools like SocialNet pull data from all online sources, including social media networks, chat platforms, the dark web, RSS feeds, and additional sources the public is unaware of. Paired with online policing, these programs create a vast network of identities, storing them as evidence.
ShadowDragon’s programs are being used by law enforcement agencies including the Michigan State Police and U.S. ICE. The way the public’s information is used is undisclosed, although the public funds these agencies.
We have a right to know.
--
Reference: The Intercept's article "ShadowDragon: Inside the Social Media Surveillance Software That Can Watch Your Every Move" - September 2021