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Edward Snowden's 'Haven' Turns Androids Into Portable Security Devices

Haven uses the existing technology on Android smartphones to turn them into motion, sound, vibration and light detectors.

By: Casey Mendoza

Posted at 3:20 PM, Dec 23, 2017

and last updated 2017-12-23 15:20:36-05

Edward Snowden just unveiled one of his newest projects: a security app.

Haven, developed by the Guardian Project and Snowden's Freedom of the Press Foundation, turns any Android phone into a motion, sound, vibration and light detector.

Using either Signal or Tor — both of which use encryption technology — users can monitor the phone's event log remotely and privately. Haven isn't available for iOS devices, but the developers recommend buying an Android burner, which can cost less than $100.

Snowden says the app was designed for "investigative journalists, human rights defenders and people at risk of forced disappearance."