Articles tagged with "surveillance-technology"
Here’s the tech powering ICE’s deportation crackdown
The article details how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has leveraged advanced technologies to intensify deportation efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration. ICE has conducted widespread raids targeting undocumented immigrants, using tools that enable extensive surveillance and identification. Among these technologies are cell-site simulators—also known as “stingrays” or IMSI catchers—that mimic cellphone towers to locate and intercept communications from nearby phones. ICE has invested over $1.5 million in customized vehicles equipped with these simulators through contracts with TechOps Specialty Vehicles, which integrates the technology into their vans. The use of cell-site simulators is controversial due to privacy concerns, as they indiscriminately collect data from all phones in the vicinity and have sometimes been deployed without warrants. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have sought to keep their use secret in court to avoid disclosing sensitive information. Facial recognition technology is another key tool in ICE’s arsenal. The agency has signed multimillion-dollar contracts with Clearview AI, a company known for
IoTsurveillance-technologycell-site-simulatorslaw-enforcement-technologydata-privacyIMSI-catchersfacial-recognitionNATO wants robots, drones to take over security along Russia border
NATO is developing an automated defense zone along its borders with Russia and Belarus to enhance security against potential Russian aggression. This multi-layered system will integrate AI-powered sensors and surveillance networks across land, air, space, and cyberspace to detect enemy movements early and activate defensive measures such as drones, semi-autonomous combat vehicles, land-based robots, and automated air and missile defenses. While the system will operate with significant automation, any use of lethal force will remain under human control. The defense zone aims to cover thousands of kilometers and provide real-time intelligence sharing among NATO members, bolstering existing weapons systems and forward-deployed forces. Poland and Romania are already exploring or preparing to deploy components of this system, with Poland planning to sign a contract for what it calls the largest anti-drone system in Europe, driven by urgent operational needs amid rising concerns over Russian incursions. Denmark is also expected to adopt the system as part of broader efforts to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. The entire automated defense
robotsdronesAIautonomous-defense-systemsNATO-securitysurveillance-technologymilitary-roboticsChina tests 570 mph-speeding spy drone aimed at surveillance
China’s CH-7 stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has successfully completed its maiden flight at a Northwest China airfield, marking a significant milestone in the country’s high-altitude reconnaissance drone program. Developed by the 11th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the initial flight focused on validating the drone’s aerodynamic design and core control systems, including autonomous taxiing, takeoff, landing, and trajectory tracking. The CH-7 features a tailless, flying-wing layout that enhances endurance and stealth but complicates flight stability and system integration, increasing the technical challenges of early testing. Designed for high-altitude, long-endurance stealth reconnaissance missions, the CH-7 carries advanced sensor payloads such as visible-light and infrared cameras while maintaining a low radar and infrared signature through features like upper-surface air intakes, semi-concealed engine exhaust, radar-absorbing structures, and stealth coatings. Its design supports operations in contested airspace with dense
robotdronestealth-technologyautonomous-systemsaerospace-engineeringsurveillance-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehicleUS firm unveils mobile hydrogen generator to power long-range drones
US-based Sesame Solar, in partnership with Heven AeroTech, has introduced a mobile drone refueling nanogrid (DRN) designed to power long-range military drones sustainably. This integrated system combines two hydrogen-powered Heven Z-1 Group II VTOL drones with satellite communications, edge computing, mobile radar, and atmospheric water generation. The DRN operates as a self-sustaining green energy loop, using retractable solar panels to generate electricity, which powers an electrolyzer that produces hydrogen from water extracted from the air. The hydrogen is stored in solid-state tanks and used to refuel drones, enabling flight endurance of over eight hours—up to six times longer than battery-powered drones—and autonomous operation for up to six months without external fuel supplies. The mobile nanogrids are designed for rapid deployment, with setup times under 15 minutes and drone assembly requiring just five minutes without tools. They are transportable, weather-resistant, and can be clustered to form minigrids, with an expected
energyhydrogen-powerdronesunmanned-aerial-systemsmobile-nanogridsurveillance-technologydefense-technologyAmazon’s Ring to partner with Flock, a network of AI cameras used by ICE, feds, and police
Amazon’s Ring, known for its home surveillance cameras, announced a partnership with Flock, a network of AI-powered cameras used by federal agencies including ICE, the Secret Service, and the Navy, as well as local police. This collaboration allows agencies using Flock to request assistance from Ring doorbell users for evidence collection and investigative purposes. Flock’s technology scans license plates and other identifying features of vehicles and enables natural language searches to find individuals matching specific descriptions in video footage. The partnership significantly expands law enforcement’s access to surveillance data by potentially incorporating footage from millions of Ring cameras into Flock’s network. This raises concerns given that AI surveillance tools used by law enforcement have faced criticism and scrutiny over accuracy and privacy issues. Additionally, Ring has historically faced criticism regarding the security and privacy of its users’ video data, adding another layer of controversy to this expanded collaboration between private surveillance technology and government agencies.
IoTAI-camerassurveillance-technologysmart-home-deviceslaw-enforcement-technologyvideo-analyticslicense-plate-recognitionHere’s the tech powering ICE’s deportation crackdown
The article details the advanced technologies employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support its intensified deportation efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration. Since Trump took office, ICE has been central to a campaign that resulted in approximately 350,000 deportations within eight months, utilizing a range of digital surveillance tools to identify and track undocumented immigrants. Key technologies include cell-site simulators—also known as “stingrays” or IMSI catchers—that mimic cellphone towers to intercept signals from nearby phones, enabling ICE to locate and monitor individuals. These devices, integrated into specialized vans by TechOps Specialty Vehicles, have raised privacy concerns due to their indiscriminate data collection from all phones in the vicinity and their use without warrants, often shrouded in secrecy during legal proceedings. Another significant technology in ICE’s arsenal is Clearview AI’s facial recognition software, which allows the agency to identify individuals by scanning a vast database of internet-sourced images. ICE recently signed a $3.
IoTsurveillance-technologycell-site-simulatorsIMSI-catcherslaw-enforcement-technologydigital-surveillancecommunication-interceptionRobots, spyware, AI: What tech arsenal ICE has to freeze immigrants
The article reveals a significant expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) technological arsenal used for immigration enforcement, highlighting contracts with multiple tech firms that provide advanced surveillance, data analytics, and tactical equipment. Key contracts include a $3.75 million deal with Clearview AI for facial recognition software built from extensive online image databases, supplementing previous purchases of forensic and facial-recognition tools. Palantir, a major data analytics provider, secured contracts totaling over $100 million for systems like Investigative Case Management and ImmigrationOS, which streamline case tracking, real-time monitoring of departures, and visa overstay tracking. Beyond data systems, ICE has procured physical tactical technology, such as a $78,000 robot from Icor Technology capable of opening doors, climbing stairs, and deploying chemical or smoke devices, raising civil liberties concerns about its use in home-entry operations. The agency also invests heavily in large-scale data searches and social media/dark web monitoring, spending millions on LexisN
robotssurveillance-technologylaw-enforcement-roboticsAI-facial-recognitiontactical-robotsPalantir-softwareimmigration-enforcement-technologyHere’s the tech powering ICE’s deportation crackdown
The article details the technology tools employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support its intensified deportation efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration. Since taking office, Trump’s administration has overseen approximately 350,000 deportations, with ICE responsible for around 200,000. To enhance its enforcement capabilities, ICE has contracted with several tech companies, notably Clearview AI and Paragon Solutions. Clearview AI provides facial recognition technology by scraping vast internet photo databases, enabling ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to identify victims and offenders in various cases, including child exploitation and assaults on officers. ICE’s contracts with Clearview AI have totaled several million dollars over recent years. Additionally, ICE signed a $2 million contract with Israeli spyware maker Paragon Solutions in September 2024, intended to provide a comprehensive spyware system including licenses, hardware, and training. However, the Biden administration initially issued a stop work order to review the contract’s compliance with executive orders on commercial
IoTsurveillance-technologyfacial-recognitionspywarelaw-enforcement-technologydigital-securitygovernment-contractsWorld’s Smallest Military Spy Drone
The Black Hornet 4 Nano UAV is currently the world’s smallest military drone, weighing just 70 grams. It is specifically designed to provide soldiers with enhanced situational awareness in challenging environments such as rooftops, alleys, and frontline combat zones. Equipped with upgraded sensors, AI-powered tracking, and stealth capabilities, this compact drone offers critical reconnaissance advantages in modern warfare. Its advanced features include thermal vision for operations in complete darkness and secure datalinks that maintain communication even in electronically jammed environments. The Black Hornet 4 is actively transforming military engagements in conflict zones like Ukraine and Afghanistan, representing a significant evolution in drone warfare by delivering real-time intelligence and improving soldier safety on the battlefield.
robotmilitary-droneAI-trackingnano-UAVsurveillance-technologythermal-visiondrone-warfareCar-sized hydrogen spy airship to debut in NATO’s largest drone drill
Finnish company Kelluu has developed a car-sized, hydrogen-powered autonomous airship designed for long-duration surveillance missions. Measuring about 12 meters (40 feet) long, the airship uses hydrogen for both lift and fuel, enabling it to stay aloft for over 12 hours—significantly longer than conventional drones or helicopters. Its emissions are reduced by 99.5% compared to standard aerial platforms, making it an environmentally friendly option. The airship features a patented hydrogen-safe structure, operates quietly, and is capable of functioning in harsh conditions, including Arctic environments. It can carry payloads up to 6 kilograms, supporting multi-sensor configurations such as LiDAR, spectral cameras, and thermal imagers, enabling applications like forestry health monitoring, infrastructure inspections, agricultural mapping, and security patrols. Initially aimed at civilian markets, Kelluu’s airship has attracted defense interest and will participate in NATO’s REPMUS 25 exercise in Portugal, demonstrating its potential for intelligence, surveillance
hydrogen-energyautonomous-airshipdrone-technologyenvironmental-sustainabilitysurveillance-technologyIoT-sensorsdefense-technologyNavy tests hydrogen balloon with drone for surveillance capability
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps recently conducted a test in California demonstrating a hydrogen-powered high-altitude balloon (HAB) paired with hydrogen-fueled drones to enhance over-the-horizon surveillance, sensing, and communications capabilities. This demonstration, held from May 19–21, 2025, at Outlying Landing Field Seagle in Twentynine Palms, was the culmination of a four-year Department of Defense-funded program aimed at leveraging hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. The hydrogen-powered system offers persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISRT) operations with simplified logistics compared to helium-based balloons, enabling longer mission endurance and extended operational range. Officials highlighted that combining hydrogen balloons with drones allows signals to be bounced off the balloon to extend control ranges and reduce the number of drone sorties required, thereby expanding the area forces can monitor. The approach addresses critical challenges of energy supply and resilience in contested environments, particularly across remote and dispersed areas such as island chains
energyhydrogen-powerdronessurveillance-technologymilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesoperational-energy-innovationThe Nvidia Deal Shows How Chinese-Made EVs Could Come To The US - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the strategic competition between the United States and China in the electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting how Chinese-made EVs could potentially enter the US market despite current restrictions. It frames the rivalry not as a traditional military conflict but as a technological and economic contest for global supremacy, with EVs playing a central role. Chinese automakers have gained a significant lead, partly due to substantial government support and strategic initiatives, such as appointing Wan Gang in 2007 to spearhead EV development with massive subsidies and favorable regulations. A major barrier to Chinese EVs entering the US market is the concern over national security. US officials, including President Biden and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, have expressed fears that Chinese-made connected vehicles could be used for surveillance or even remotely controlled to cause harm, leading to bans on such imports. These concerns stem from the sophisticated digital sensors and software in EVs, which could potentially transmit sensitive data to the Chinese government. Despite early quality issues with Chinese vehicles, the
energyelectric-vehiclesIoTconnected-carssurveillance-technologyautomotive-industryChina-US-competitionA new microphone watches vibrations and turns them into sound
Researchers at the Beijing Institute of Technology have developed a novel, low-cost visual microphone that captures sound by detecting tiny vibrations on everyday objects using light rather than traditional acoustic methods. This system employs single-pixel imaging—a simpler and cheaper technique compared to previous optical microphones that required expensive high-speed cameras or lasers. By shining light on surfaces such as paper, leaves, or plastic cups and measuring changes in reflected light intensity caused by sound-induced vibrations, the device reconstructs speech and other audio through advanced algorithms. This approach works under natural lighting conditions and does not depend on specific reflective properties of the surfaces. The innovation offers significant advantages in affordability and versatility, potentially enabling integration into smartphones, drones, or surveillance tools. It can detect sound through barriers like glass, making it useful in scenarios where conventional microphones fail, such as search and rescue operations or remote monitoring. However, the technology also raises ethical concerns due to its potential for covert eavesdropping without physical microphones. The researchers emphasize their intent to advance sensing technology
IoToptical-microphonesound-detectionsingle-pixel-imaginglight-based-sensingsurveillance-technologyacoustic-imagingThis founder left Silicon Valley to challenge U.S. defense supremacy from Athens, and investors are paying attention
Dimitrious Kottas, formerly of Apple’s Special Projects Group, left Silicon Valley in 2021 to found Delian, a Greek defense startup focused on autonomous systems and surveillance technology. Starting with solar-powered surveillance towers monitoring Greek borders and detecting wildfires, Delian has expanded its product line to include advanced autonomous aerial and sea drones, notably a patented low-cost, deployable “suicide vessel” designed to operate undetected on the seabed. Kottas leverages his expertise in perception technology—gained from academic research and work on autonomous systems at Apple—to drive innovation in defense autonomy, which he believes will be central to future weapon systems. Delian’s approach is pragmatic and disruptive, aiming to penetrate Europe’s fragmented defense market by offering scalable, cost-effective solutions. The company recently secured $14 million in funding from investors including Air Street Capital and Marathon Venture Capital, bringing its total funding to $22 million. Despite technological progress and operational success in Greece, Delian faces
robotenergyIoTautonomous-systemssurveillance-technologydefense-technologydronesLive cockroaches turned into robot swarms for future spy missions
A German company, SWARM Biotactics, is pioneering the development of bio-robotic swarms by transforming live cockroaches into controllable robotic agents equipped with small backpacks. These backpacks contain advanced sensors, neural stimulation, and secure communication modules, enabling precise navigation, real-time data collection, and encrypted short-range communication. The cockroach swarms are designed to operate in environments inaccessible to conventional machines, such as cluttered, denied, or politically complex terrains, offering a new layer of tactical advantage for defense, security, and disaster response missions. The innovation promises to be cost-effective and highly scalable compared to traditional robotic systems, with a low detectability signature that enhances stealth in surveillance operations. SWARM Biotactics recently secured €10 million in seed funding, bringing its total investment to €13 million, supported by international investors from Europe, the US, and Australia. CEO Stefan Wilhelm emphasized that their biologically integrated, AI-enabled systems represent a new category of robotics capable of persistent intelligence gathering
roboticsbio-roboticsswarm-robotsAI-enabled-robotssurveillance-technologydefense-technologyautonomous-systemsChina Announces New Micro-Drone
The article reports that China has unveiled a new micro-drone roughly the size of a mosquito, highlighting concerns about surveillance and privacy. While specific technical details such as flight range, sensory capabilities, and operational uses remain unclear or undisclosed, the drone's extremely small size suggests potential for covert monitoring. The announcement underscores China's advancing drone technology and raises questions about the implications for security and personal privacy. However, due to the limited information provided, the full extent of the drone's capabilities and intended applications is not yet known.
robotdronemicro-dronesurveillance-technologyroboticsunmanned-aerial-vehicleChina-technologyNew Wi-Fi fingerprint system re-identifies people without devices
Italian researchers from La Sapienza University of Rome have developed a novel Wi-Fi fingerprinting system called WhoFi that can re-identify individuals based solely on how their bodies distort Wi-Fi signals, without requiring any carried devices like phones or wearables. By analyzing changes in Wi-Fi signal waveforms—specifically Channel State Information (CSI), which captures amplitude and phase alterations caused by a person’s physical presence—the system creates unique biometric identifiers. Using a transformer-based deep neural network, WhoFi achieved up to 95.5% accuracy in matching individuals across different Wi-Fi-covered spaces, significantly improving on previous methods such as the 75% accurate EyeFi system introduced in 2020. This approach offers a new dimension to surveillance and tracking, as Wi-Fi signals can penetrate walls and operate independently of lighting conditions, unlike cameras. While it may appear more privacy-conscious since it does not capture images, WhoFi raises concerns about passive tracking without consent. The technology builds on advances like the IEEE 802.
IoTWi-Fibiometric-identificationsignal-processingdeep-learningsurveillance-technologyChannel-State-InformationChina's bug-inspired tech to detect missiles 20,000x faster than US
Chinese scientists have developed a novel infrared sensor inspired by the fire beetle’s heat-sensing organ, which can detect missiles and heat sources up to 20,000 times faster than existing technologies. Created by researchers at the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics and Tongji University, the sensor uses materials like palladium diselenide and pentacene to operate in the mid-infrared range, enabling it to detect extremely low heat levels even in challenging environments such as smoke, dust, or fog. Tested in simulated wildfire conditions, the sensor demonstrated nearly 95% accuracy in tracking flame movement and storing heat patterns, highlighting its potential for applications in night vision, fire detection, industrial safety, and defense surveillance. In addition, a related device using black phosphorus and indium selenide achieved photonic memory speeds of 0.5 microseconds, allowing precise real-time data capture and image recognition. This advancement could enhance military systems, including missile defense units like China’s HQ-17AE, by enabling
materialsinfrared-sensormissile-detectionbiomimicrysurveillance-technologysemiconductordefense-technology