Internet Freedom Foundation finds that central agencies and Congress-governed states have procured or sought Israeli digital forensic technology
NEW DELHI — Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved an exemption from the government’s ‘Make in India’ procurement preference to allow the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to purchase a premium mobile phone data-extraction tool from Israeli firm Cellebrite, according to an investigation published by the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) at the weekend.
The investigation found that several central government agencies, including the NIA, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and the Department of Military Affairs, have purchased or sought Cellebrite technology used to extract data from mobile phones.
A Home Ministry letter dated January 20, 2026, stated that Shah had approved the exemption on January 17. The NIA purchased the tool under a three-year licence through Nex Techno Gen Private Limited for approximately Rs 5 crore.
The premium tool can bypass passcodes, extract complete file systems from iPhones and Android devices, and access protected areas such as Samsung Secure Folder, according to the IFF investigation.
The SFIO agreed in March 2026, while the Department of Military Affairs issued tenders for Cellebrite services. Overall, the IFF identified 15 procurement listings naming Cellebrite products across 11 tenders issued by Indian agencies in 2026.
Congress-ruled States Also Involved
The investigation also identified procurement activity involving the Israeli company in Kerala, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, all governed by the Congress or Congress-led administrations.
Kerala’s Home Department signed an agreement worth approximately Rs 1 crore with Alibhai Global Private Limited. Karnataka Police and the Himachal Pradesh authorities issued tenders for maintenance and licences.
The IFF raised concerns that mobile data extraction could be carried out by private contractors rather than directly by police officers. This, it said, raises questions about access to sensitive personal information and the safeguards governing its handling.
The findings also come against the backdrop of criticism by Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Concerns Over Lack of Safeguards
Cellebrite has links to Israel’s military, and a report by the American Friends Service Committee says Israeli forces have used the technology to extract data from the phones of thousands of detained Palestinians, most of whom were subjected to torture.
The IFF said India does not have a dedicated law specifically regulating the extraction of data from mobile phones. It has sought details from the Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs, including whether phones seized during protests in October 2026 were unlocked using such technology.
The investigation has brought renewed attention to the use of digital forensic tools by law-enforcement agencies and the need for clear legal safeguards governing access to personal data.
