Jerome D. Greco
@jdgreco.bsky.social
Digital Forensics and Public Defense for The Legal Aid Society. Posts are my own, not my employer's. @JeromeDGreco on Twitter.
https://digitalforensicslas.substack.com/
https://digitalforensicslas.substack.com/
Pinned
Federal Watchlists for Protesters, Banning Ghost Guns, ALPR Virginia Federal Ct. Decision, File Signatures and Carving & More
Vol. 7, Issue 2
digitalforensicslas.substack.com
February Decrypting a Defense Newsletter. Greg discusses federal watchlists tracking protesters. @shaneferro.bsky.social criticizes an attempt to ban ghost guns and digital blueprints. @diz.bsky.social analyzes an automated license plate readers decision. Chris explains file signatures and carving.
February Decrypting a Defense Newsletter. Greg discusses federal watchlists tracking protesters. @shaneferro.bsky.social criticizes an attempt to ban ghost guns and digital blueprints. @diz.bsky.social analyzes an automated license plate readers decision. Chris explains file signatures and carving.
Federal Watchlists for Protesters, Banning Ghost Guns, ALPR Virginia Federal Ct. Decision, File Signatures and Carving & More
Vol. 7, Issue 2
digitalforensicslas.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:17 PM
February Decrypting a Defense Newsletter. Greg discusses federal watchlists tracking protesters. @shaneferro.bsky.social criticizes an attempt to ban ghost guns and digital blueprints. @diz.bsky.social analyzes an automated license plate readers decision. Chris explains file signatures and carving.
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
I wrote section 230 to protect user speech, not a company's own speech. I've long said AI chatbot outputs are not protected by 230 and that it is not a close call. Given that the Trump administration is going to the mat to protect pedophiles, states should step in to hold Musk and X accountable.
I am not a Section 230 expert but being that Twitter is creating and publishing these photos I wonder if they actually have any civil legal protection? @kenwhite.bsky.social ? @akivamcohen.bsky.social ?
What X is allowing Grok to do is unlawful or regulatory-illegal in multiple jurisdictions, creates clear DSA violations, and continues despite regulator scrutiny. The images do not need to be pornographic, non-consensual sexualised or intimate depictions are enough.
January 5, 2026 at 11:10 PM
I wrote section 230 to protect user speech, not a company's own speech. I've long said AI chatbot outputs are not protected by 230 and that it is not a close call. Given that the Trump administration is going to the mat to protect pedophiles, states should step in to hold Musk and X accountable.
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Jon discusses body-worn cameras and real-time facial recognition. Max covers the White House's Executive Order on AI. Joel examines the law as it applies to unpreserved police surveillance video. Finally, I give the 2nd annual State of the Surveillance State Address.
Real Time Facial Recognition, White House AI Executive Order, Failure to Preserve Video, State of the Surveillance State & More
Vol. 7, Issue 1
digitalforensicslas.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:42 PM
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Jon discusses body-worn cameras and real-time facial recognition. Max covers the White House's Executive Order on AI. Joel examines the law as it applies to unpreserved police surveillance video. Finally, I give the 2nd annual State of the Surveillance State Address.
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
The New York Police Department's “mosque-raking” program targeted Muslim communities across NYC. Now, as the city's first Muslim mayor takes office, one man is fighting—again—to fully expose it. www.wired.com/story/nypd-s...
NYPD Sued Over Possible Records Collected Through Muslim Spying Program
The New York Police Department's “mosque-raking” program targeted Muslim communities across NYC. Now, as the city's first Muslim mayor takes office, one man is fighting—again—to fully expose it.
www.wired.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The New York Police Department's “mosque-raking” program targeted Muslim communities across NYC. Now, as the city's first Muslim mayor takes office, one man is fighting—again—to fully expose it. www.wired.com/story/nypd-s...
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
I made an advent calendar of one thing you can do every day to improve your digital security and become more informed (ie paranoid).
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Greg discusses an infiltration by police into an activist Signal group. @diz.bsky.social provides the 1st DFU advent calendar. Laura celebrates a NYC bill to improve FOIL responses. Christine answers a question about facial recognition and holiday travelers.
Signal Group Infiltration, Surveillance Advent Calendar, NYC FOIL Bill Passes, Facial Recognition When Traveling & More
Vol. 6, Issue 12
digitalforensicslas.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:20 AM
I made an advent calendar of one thing you can do every day to improve your digital security and become more informed (ie paranoid).
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Greg discusses an infiltration by police into an activist Signal group. @diz.bsky.social provides the 1st DFU advent calendar. Laura celebrates a NYC bill to improve FOIL responses. Christine answers a question about facial recognition and holiday travelers.
Signal Group Infiltration, Surveillance Advent Calendar, NYC FOIL Bill Passes, Facial Recognition When Traveling & More
Vol. 6, Issue 12
digitalforensicslas.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:10 PM
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Greg discusses an infiltration by police into an activist Signal group. @diz.bsky.social provides the 1st DFU advent calendar. Laura celebrates a NYC bill to improve FOIL responses. Christine answers a question about facial recognition and holiday travelers.
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
“Prosecutors think they’ve found a constitutional loophole — if you can’t punish reporting it, punish transporting it.”
We wrote for @theintercept.com about how efforts to criminalize possession of words threaten press freedom.
We wrote for @theintercept.com about how efforts to criminalize possession of words threaten press freedom.
The Feds Want to Make It Illegal to Even Possess an Anarchist Zine
Daniel Sanchez is facing federal charges for what free speech advocates say is a clear attack on the First Amendment.
theintercept.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:06 PM
“Prosecutors think they’ve found a constitutional loophole — if you can’t punish reporting it, punish transporting it.”
We wrote for @theintercept.com about how efforts to criminalize possession of words threaten press freedom.
We wrote for @theintercept.com about how efforts to criminalize possession of words threaten press freedom.
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
I critique software I use because I wish it were better, not because I think it's bad.
To be clear: @signal.org remains the best encrypted messaging app for day-to-day use and an invaluable resource.
I'm NOT criticizing Signal because it's bad; I'm criticizing it because it's good and practically essential.
I'm NOT criticizing Signal because it's bad; I'm criticizing it because it's good and practically essential.
November 23, 2025 at 7:21 PM
I critique software I use because I wish it were better, not because I think it's bad.
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
As a bookstore that sells pamphlets and magazines, the criminalization of such materials feels pretty close to home. So let's take a closer look at the materials the federal government is claiming tie readers to "antifa terrorism." We can pick out six titles in these grainy photos. 1/
November 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
As a bookstore that sells pamphlets and magazines, the criminalization of such materials feels pretty close to home. So let's take a closer look at the materials the federal government is claiming tie readers to "antifa terrorism." We can pick out six titles in these grainy photos. 1/
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
Hey, Minnesota, Louisiana, and South Dakota! Have you caught us in the wild yet?
Despite what lawmakers in your states say about abortion or their efforts to block abortion access, you DO have rights!
Tag us in any pics you take with our billboards and let the world know that you know you best!
Despite what lawmakers in your states say about abortion or their efforts to block abortion access, you DO have rights!
Tag us in any pics you take with our billboards and let the world know that you know you best!
November 19, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Hey, Minnesota, Louisiana, and South Dakota! Have you caught us in the wild yet?
Despite what lawmakers in your states say about abortion or their efforts to block abortion access, you DO have rights!
Tag us in any pics you take with our billboards and let the world know that you know you best!
Despite what lawmakers in your states say about abortion or their efforts to block abortion access, you DO have rights!
Tag us in any pics you take with our billboards and let the world know that you know you best!
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
Check out @privacyguides.org primer on why everyone benefits from using Tor. www.privacyguides.org/videos/2025/...
Anonymity for Everyone: Why You Need Tor
Tor is an invaluable tool for bypassing censorship and browsing privately, in this week's video we dive into the details and explain how it works. Plus we cover some things you should avoid when using...
www.privacyguides.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Check out @privacyguides.org primer on why everyone benefits from using Tor. www.privacyguides.org/videos/2025/...
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
Analysis by @amnestyuk.bsky.social and S.T.O.P. of the over 2,700 documents to date reveals that facial recognition technologies (FRT) were used on several occasions by the NYPD, subjecting New Yorkers to invasive, flawed, and deeply discriminatory surveillance technologies. #BanTheScan
November 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Analysis by @amnestyuk.bsky.social and S.T.O.P. of the over 2,700 documents to date reveals that facial recognition technologies (FRT) were used on several occasions by the NYPD, subjecting New Yorkers to invasive, flawed, and deeply discriminatory surveillance technologies. #BanTheScan
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
BREAKING: Amnesty International, S.T.O.P. Lawsuit Reveals NYPD Surveillance Abuses #BanTheScan @amnestyuk.bsky.social
"New York promises to be a sanctuary city, but we’ve created nothing short of a surveillance state." - S.T.O.P. Executive Director Michelle Dahl
www.stopspying.org/latest-news/...
"New York promises to be a sanctuary city, but we’ve created nothing short of a surveillance state." - S.T.O.P. Executive Director Michelle Dahl
www.stopspying.org/latest-news/...
Amnesty International, S.T.O.P. Lawsuit Reveals NYPD Surveillance Abuses — S.T.O.P. - The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project
www.stopspying.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
BREAKING: Amnesty International, S.T.O.P. Lawsuit Reveals NYPD Surveillance Abuses #BanTheScan @amnestyuk.bsky.social
"New York promises to be a sanctuary city, but we’ve created nothing short of a surveillance state." - S.T.O.P. Executive Director Michelle Dahl
www.stopspying.org/latest-news/...
"New York promises to be a sanctuary city, but we’ve created nothing short of a surveillance state." - S.T.O.P. Executive Director Michelle Dahl
www.stopspying.org/latest-news/...
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
Full text here: www.techpolicy.press/mayor-elect-...
Mayor-Elect Mamdani Can Build a Tech Agenda for New York and a Model for the Country | TechPolicy.Press
By resisting surveillance, extraction, and exploitation, Mamdani can show how technology truly serves the people, writes Rebecca Williams.
www.techpolicy.press
November 5, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Full text here: www.techpolicy.press/mayor-elect-...
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
Former FTC chair Lina Khan was just named to NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team—just one sign that his new administration will take tech matters seriously, writes Rebecca Williams. She offers a tech agenda for the new mayor to advance his campaign goals:
Mayor-Elect Mamdani Can Build a Tech Agenda for New York and a Model for the Country | TechPolicy.Press
By resisting surveillance, extraction, and exploitation, Mamdani can show how technology truly serves the people, writes Rebecca Williams.
www.techpolicy.press
November 5, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Former FTC chair Lina Khan was just named to NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team—just one sign that his new administration will take tech matters seriously, writes Rebecca Williams. She offers a tech agenda for the new mayor to advance his campaign goals:
New Decrypting a Defense Newsletter issue. Jon explains the growing backlash to Flock ALPR. Joel discusses a recent lawsuit brought by @stopspyingny.bsky.social against the NYPD. I review two court decisions about CSAM investigations. Allison answers a question about finding a witness' social media.
Cities Start Going Flockless, NYPD Cameras Lawsuit, CSAM & the Private Search Doctrine, OSINT Intro for Witness Social Media & More
Vol. 6, Issue 11
digitalforensicslas.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM
New Decrypting a Defense Newsletter issue. Jon explains the growing backlash to Flock ALPR. Joel discusses a recent lawsuit brought by @stopspyingny.bsky.social against the NYPD. I review two court decisions about CSAM investigations. Allison answers a question about finding a witness' social media.
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Greg discusses ICE's increased surveillance capabilities. Joel reviews a recent investigation into a SIM card farm. Laura recaps the takeaways from the NYC Council hearing on NYCHA surveillance and Brandon answers a question on extracting data from a broken phone.
ICE Increases Capabilities, SIM Card Farm, NYCHA Surveillance Hearing, Fixing Broken Phones for Extraction & More
Vol. 6, Issue 10
digitalforensicslas.substack.com
October 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Greg discusses ICE's increased surveillance capabilities. Joel reviews a recent investigation into a SIM card farm. Laura recaps the takeaways from the NYC Council hearing on NYCHA surveillance and Brandon answers a question on extracting data from a broken phone.
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
Over a few months, a person driving around *one* town wracked up 526 location datapoints. We know that number because police were surveilling this person--but you can be assured the geolocation data you're leaving behind is similar and just sitting on a server somewhere. ALPRs are mass surveillance.
“I think it’s startling to see how many data points just driving your car through one city can add up to,” EFF’s @MGuariglia.bsky.social told @NBCNews.com. “It’s still unnerving to get a real concrete idea how ALPRs are essentially mass surveillance.”
www.nbcnews.com/tech/securi...
www.nbcnews.com/tech/securi...
Police cameras tracked one driver 526 times in four months, lawsuit says
Flock Safety says it has become “the largest public-private safety network” in the country.
www.nbcnews.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Over a few months, a person driving around *one* town wracked up 526 location datapoints. We know that number because police were surveilling this person--but you can be assured the geolocation data you're leaving behind is similar and just sitting on a server somewhere. ALPRs are mass surveillance.
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
@tiffanycaban.bsky.social arrested outside of 26 Federal Plaza along with dozens of other protesters - including faith leaders and other elected officials - demanding ICE get out of NYC
September 18, 2025 at 8:41 PM
@tiffanycaban.bsky.social arrested outside of 26 Federal Plaza along with dozens of other protesters - including faith leaders and other elected officials - demanding ICE get out of NYC
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
Just now, 11 state and city lawmakers were arrested by DHS police on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza after a hour of demanding access to the ICE lock up on the same floor. @thecity.nyc
September 18, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Just now, 11 state and city lawmakers were arrested by DHS police on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza after a hour of demanding access to the ICE lock up on the same floor. @thecity.nyc
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
It is weird that the assassination of essentially a celebrity influencer is a bigger deal than the shooting of two top state legislators + their spouses
September 10, 2025 at 11:56 PM
It is weird that the assassination of essentially a celebrity influencer is a bigger deal than the shooting of two top state legislators + their spouses
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Laura addresses the NYPD secret surveillance of NYCHA residents. @diz.bsky.social discusses a false facial recognition match in NYC. Lisa examines conflicting expert testimony in the Karen Read trial and Allison answers questions about recovering deleted messages.
Surveillance of NYCHA Residents, Facial Recognition False Arrest, Karen Read Trial Evidence, Deleted Messages & More
Vol. 6, Issue 9
digitalforensicslas.substack.com
September 8, 2025 at 2:42 PM
New Decrypting a Defense issue. Laura addresses the NYPD secret surveillance of NYCHA residents. @diz.bsky.social discusses a false facial recognition match in NYC. Lisa examines conflicting expert testimony in the Karen Read trial and Allison answers questions about recovering deleted messages.
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
“Everyone, including the NYPD, knows that facial recognition technology is unreliable, yet the NYPD disregards even its own protocols...Elected officials must act now to ban its use by law enforcement.”
Diane Akerman, LAS Digital Forensics Unit
legalaidnyc.org/news/demands...
Diane Akerman, LAS Digital Forensics Unit
legalaidnyc.org/news/demands...
LAS Demands Ban on NYPD’s Use of Facial Recognition Technology
Legal Aid is calling for an investigation after detailing multiple alarming cases in which the NYPD appears to have violated its own policies.
legalaidnyc.org
August 28, 2025 at 4:14 PM
“Everyone, including the NYPD, knows that facial recognition technology is unreliable, yet the NYPD disregards even its own protocols...Elected officials must act now to ban its use by law enforcement.”
Diane Akerman, LAS Digital Forensics Unit
legalaidnyc.org/news/demands...
Diane Akerman, LAS Digital Forensics Unit
legalaidnyc.org/news/demands...
Reposted by Jerome D. Greco
I just updated FIG: Filling in the Gaps for People Search Removal Services. It's a list of people search sites NOT covered by paid services. It's now in alphabetical order, easier to use with BADBOOL, added new brokers and removed defunct brokers and removal services. docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Filling In the Gaps For People Search Site Removal Services
docs.google.com
September 2, 2025 at 5:57 AM
I just updated FIG: Filling in the Gaps for People Search Removal Services. It's a list of people search sites NOT covered by paid services. It's now in alphabetical order, easier to use with BADBOOL, added new brokers and removed defunct brokers and removal services. docs.google.com/spreadsheets...