Deep Packet Inspection: Legal Boundaries and Global Experiences
I. Background With the rapid advancement of digital technologies, cybercrime has become increasingly rampant, encompassing threats such as online fraud, hacking, and cyberterrorism. These developments pose unprecedented challenges to public safety. Traditional investigative tools—such as wiretapping or subpoenaing user data—have limited effectiveness against encrypted communications, anonymous networks (like the dark web), and transnational criminal organizations. To meet these challenges, law enforcement agencies have increasingly looked to emerging technologies to enhance investigative capabilities. One of the most prominent tools in this regard is Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) —a technique that allows for detailed inspection and analysis of data packets traversing a network. DPI Capabilities and Controversies DPI enables authorities to analyze the content and metadata of internet traffic in real time. It can detect malware, identify suspicious communication patterns, and trace ...