LexisNexis Sold Powerful Spy Tools to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Documents show LexisNexis began selling surveillance tools to U.S. Customs and Border Protection in December 2022 .

The $15.9 million contract includes a broad menu of powerful tools for locating individuals throughout the United States using a vast array of personal data, much of it obtained and used without judicial oversight.

The social media surveillance is “powered by” Babel X, a controversial firm that CBP and the FBI have previously used.

The monitoring can apply to U.S. persons, including citizens and permanent residents, as well as refugees and asylum seekers.

CBP has drawn harsh criticism from civil libertarians and human rights advocates for its activities.