404 Media found multiple users of Zello, an app previously used by January 6 insurrectionists, linked to ICE officials. An officer at the scene of an CBP official shooting a U.S. citizen also used the app.
  • Optional@lemmy.world
    351·
    2 days ago

    On the Media and MilitiaWatch previously showed how Zello was a recruitment and organizing tool for the far right. They also found Zello’s leadership resisted calls to enforce its own terms of service, including those which prohibit “violent extremist ideologies.” In January 2021, Zello deleted more than 2,000 channels in response to that and further reporting.

    Interesting, although the “how they use it” in the title boils down to just “they use it”. So. A little annoying.

    • FuglyDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
      7·
      1 day ago

      Probably not.

      But also, if they used “official” coms, those would be recorded, and these assholes are allergic to any kind of evidence or accountability.

      • decapitae@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        3·
        1 day ago

        So, theoretically; they’ve exposed the whole of operations to the publication of phone numbers along with names and possibly gmail accounts? 🤔

        • FuglyDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
          3·
          1 day ago

          Maybe?

          All to avoid accountability.

          It’s certainly less secure than what’d you expect a federal agency to use.

    • redsand@infosec.pub
      1·
      1 day ago

      Cheap republican software. AI could probably find a DoS bug. I’m sure it has multiple RCEs if someone looked

    • dustyData@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      It is just voice messages automated. That’s all. You push to talk, it records your voice message, then sends it to everyone in the channel (group chat). Everyone gets a notification and the message automatically plays on their end. It creates the semblance of radio comms, but everything is recorded and kept in a group chat history. It also depends on service data coverage, since it is just an internet app and that’s all. Basic features like dispatcher mode, diffusion and complex multi-channel setups are paid under a premium subscription. They sell some hardware that interoperates with the app in a radio like fashion as well, but it is all third party, so quality varies a lot. Also, I’m not aware anyone has ever done a security audit on them, the thing is entirely proprietary and closed source, it tracks location as well, so I wouldn’t necessarily trust it.

      • happydoors@lemmy.world
        2·
        24 hours ago

        So you’re telling me that they are possibly logging all of their illegal activities and locations, possibly to third party servers? Geniuses. I understand why they make the big bucks!