Brazilian authorities seize imported goods as open source multi-tool `` Flipper Zero '' may be used for crime

It was reported that the import of the multi-tool device `` Flipper Zero '' compatible with many wireless communication standards such as NFC, Bluetooth, and infrared communication was suspended by Brazilian authorities who were concerned that it would be used for crime.

Flipper Zero Devices Being Seized by Brazil's Telecom Agency | Electronic Frontier Foundation
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/03/flipper-zero-devices-being-seized-brazils-telecom-agency

Brazil seizing Flipper Zero shipments to prevent use in crime
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/brazil-seizing-flipper-zero-shipments-to-prevent-use-in-crime/

Flipper Zero is a multi-functional device whose electronic circuit diagrams and firmware are open-sourced. Despite its toy-like appearance, it has full-fledged performance that supports various communication standards, such as RFID tags and iButtons. You can use it as a remote control to operate various wireless devices. The specific functions are summarized in the following articles.

Remote control device 'Flipper Zero' compatible with wide frequency band and NFC / Bluetooth / infrared - GIGAZINE

Flipper Zero, which was successfully funded by the crowdfunding site Kickstarter, will be shipped to those who ordered it sequentially from January 2022. However, after a while, reports of Brazilian buyers saying 'Flipper Zero has not arrived' will come one after another on the Internet.

A Brazilian buyer who consulted on Reddit, a bulletin board-type social news site, about the problem of not receiving Flipper Zero, said that Flipper Zero shipped in December 2022 was seized by the Brazilian Telecommunications Agency (Anatel). Attached is an image that shows.

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by u/JPSAUD501 in FlipperZeroBrasil

According to an investigation by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, in Brazil, when the postal service detects that Flipper Zero has been imported into the country, it will be forwarded to Anatel for review. However, since Anatel has not allowed the distribution of Flipper Zero and has seized it, Flipper Zero has not reached domestic buyers.

Anatel is blocking the importation of Flipper Zero because of concerns it could be used for criminals. As mentioned above, Flipper Zero can clone digital keys and emulate RFID, so for example, a car garage can be opened without permission, or a third party can unlock the smart lock of the car or the entrance. It can be abused.

A video that duplicates and hacks a car's smart key with Flipper Zero is very popular on TikTok, can it really be hacked easily? -GIGAZINE

That said, Flipper Zero itself does not have any special features or technology prohibited by law. Flipper Zero has a variety of functions in one, is highly portable, and is easy to use anywhere. The Electronic Frontier Foundation points out that it is similar to equipment distributed in

Therefore, the Electronic Frontier Foundation commented on the Brazilian authorities' regulation of Flipper Zero: 'Rejecting Flipper Zero does not prevent other tools that exploit this technology from being used. Also, Flipper Zero cannot be hidden in a bag. It is also impossible to prevent people from crossing the border with a device, and those who use it for crime will find ways to use the device in ways that leave no written evidence in the first place. 'The authorities' decisions actually hinder those engaged in security research. We urge the Brazilian authorities to reconsider their decisions and allow access to tools such as Flipper Zero.' I suggested that the seizure should be lifted for those who use Flipper Zero for legitimate purposes.

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'Flipper Zero' is now banned on Amazon, designated as a prohibited item as a 'card skimming device' even though there is no skimming function