The powers to use UFED [universal forensic extraction devices] on phones has been expanded for organised crime-related offences, and the examples originally given were offences relating to drugs or illicit tobacco, firebombings and public shootings. But as the organised crime offences include those organised by 2 or more people and those involving planning, these powers may end up being used in relation to protest activity.

“Under the Minns Labor government police have been given increased powers, the number of kids and young people in prison has increased at record rates, and more people are being arrested and incarcerated than ever before,” said NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson in a media release at the time the Cellebrite UFED expansion laws were before parliament.

“If we are investing $15 million to hack more phones and give police further access to messages, images, location markers and other sensitive information, we must also increase the independent oversight to safeguard against improper use of this invasive technology,” the Greens justice spokesperson continued.

“This announcement comes amidst increasing community concern about Cellebrite, the Israeli spyware firm run by ex-IDF soldiers who provide phone-hacking technology to police.”