Surveillance Empire Exposed: Tracking Thousands Worldwide

An international investigation has revealed how the surveillance company First Wap has been secretly tracking individuals across more than 100 countries, including politicians and celebrities. Operating from Jakarta, the company has exploited vulnerabilities in global phone networks, utilizing a method that has largely escaped public attention for years.

The surveillance system, named Altamides, is designed to covertly locate individuals in real-time, monitor their movements, and track interactions with others. Unlike traditional spyware, such as Pegasus, which requires targets to click on malicious links, Altamides operates without leaving traces on the targeted devices. This stealthy approach raises significant concerns about privacy and human rights violations.

At the core of First Wap’s technology is the use of the outdated telecommunications protocol Signaling System No. 7 (SS7). This system is essential for routing calls and text messages and is accessible to any entity with the right permissions. By exploiting SS7, First Wap can pinpoint the locations of phone users and gather sensitive information without their knowledge.

The revelations, reported by Mother Jones, highlight the implications of unregulated surveillance in a digital age where privacy is increasingly at risk. First Wap’s founders, who have European roots, have cultivated a surveillance empire that spans from the Vatican to the Middle East and even Silicon Valley. The company operates in a regulatory environment that has allowed such activities to flourish, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of tech firms and the oversight of surveillance practices.

This investigation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive regulations governing surveillance technologies. As governments and corporations increasingly rely on such tools, the potential for abuse and violation of civil liberties grows. The public deserves transparency regarding who is collecting their data and how it is being used.

As society grapples with the balance between security and privacy, incidents like this are a stark reminder of the pervasive surveillance that has become normalized in modern life. The implications of First Wap’s operations extend far beyond borders, affecting individuals worldwide and demanding an immediate response from policymakers to safeguard privacy rights.