Senator Wyden Calls for Federal Watchdog Review of Government Hacking Tool Use
Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat, has requested the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into how federal law enforcement agencies utilize hacking tools and spyware against Americans. Wyden's concern stems from a lack of transparency regarding the scope, frequency, and operational safeguards of these tools, which have been in use for over two decades. He specifically named the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Secret Service as agencies whose practices should be reviewed. Unlike wiretaps, there are no annual reports published for hacking operations, prompting Wyden to ask the GAO to release an unclassified report with its findings and recommendations. 
