The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has signed a $563,040 contract with ShadowDragon Holdings, an American software company, to use their digital surveillance tool for actively monitoring a broad spectrum of social media platforms and websites. This contract will remain in effect for two years.
ShadowDragon’s software enables users to aggregate data from more than 200 unique sources and datasets, allowing them to actively conduct searches across this extensive information repository. Some of the platforms from which it actively gathers data include Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, Google, Amazon, Tumblr, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Reddit, 4Chan, Skype, Spotify, Twitch, Xbox network, Pornhub, SoundCloud, Gab, Foursquare, TripAdvisor, Tinder,Fortnite, Etsy, PayPal, Flickr, Imgur, Disqus, eBay, GitHub, DeviantArt, and many more.
Users of the tool can actively perform searches using a variety of parameters, such as names, online handles, phone numbers, and email addresses. This tool empowers users to create a comprehensive network map of an individual or to actively and proactively monitor for specific references and activities.
Report from AusTender shows that the Department of Home Affairs actively procured ShadowDragon’s services five times between 2018 and 2022, amassing a combined value of over $280,000.
A representative and spokesperson of the Home Affairs Crikey disclosed that the department “currently has dealings with ShadowDragon to support the Department’s and Australian Border Force’s specific functions activities.” The spokesperson defended its use, stating that all data is public and is collected in a lawful manner.
Critics actively argue that this surveillance tool raises privacy concerns, as it operates without the knowledge of the individuals under surveillance. Additionally, they have actively raised concerns about the accuracy of the data it collects, as well as the lack of oversight and accountability in its usage.
Article Source: Crikey
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