Decoder with Nilay Patel
How the FBI built its own smartphone company to hack the criminal underworld
May 23, 2024
In this engaging conversation, Joseph Cox, co-founder of 404 Media and author of "Dark Wire," shares insights on the FBI's audacious venture into the smartphone market with the startup ANOM. He discusses the evolution of secure messaging platforms from BlackBerry to Signal and their relevance to criminal activities. Joseph reveals the complexities of law enforcement's balancing act between technology and privacy, including the challenges of infiltrating encrypted communication networks. His captivating stories highlight the intersection of tech innovation and crime.
42:03
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Quick takeaways
- FBI's innovative use of Anem to gather insights into criminal activities while navigating privacy challenges.
- Shift in criminal behavior towards mainstream platforms like Signal post-Anem, challenging law enforcement's encryption tactics.
Deep dives
The Rise of Anem: The FBI's Covert Operation
The FBI embarks on a covert operation by launching Anem, an encrypted messaging platform for criminals after the shutdown of Phantom Secure. AFGU, a key player, offers the FBI their platform and operates it under FBI direction. The innovative strategy leads to rapid growth with resellers leveraging trust with criminal customers. This unique endeavor allows the FBI insights into criminal activities and challenges surrounding privacy and law enforcement.
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