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The Dark Side of Unplugged: How Blackwater's Founder Is Selling "Privacy Phones" to Unsuspecting Consumers

Unplugged's new "privacy-first" phone promises unparalleled security and privacy features, but critics say that may come at a cost - namely, its connection to Erik Prince and Blackwater. Will the UP Phone live up to its claims, or is it just another example of a company trying to cash in on the growing demand for secure smartphones? Find out in our full report.

In a move that has left many in the tech community questioning the intentions of the company behind it, Unplugged, a firm backed by none other than Erik Prince, the founder of infamous private military contractor Blackwater, has just released an updated version of its "privacy-first" UP Phone. The phone, which was first announced in June 2022, promises to provide users with unparalleled privacy and security features, but at what cost?

According to Unplugged's website, the new and improved UP Phone will be built in the United States later this year, a move that is touted as an effort to "create jobs domestically, improve quality control, and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains." However, when questioned about these claims, Unplugged officials were tight-lipped about the specifics of their manufacturing plans, instead opting for vague statements about the benefits of domestic production.

The phone itself remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, with a four-year-old MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, 6.67-inch OLED display, 8GB RAM, and a triple rear camera led by a 108-megapixel main lens. The price tag of $989 has also remained unchanged, despite the company's claims that they are working to make the phone more affordable for consumers.

So what exactly does Unplugged offer with its UP Phone? In short, it promises to provide users with a suite of privacy-centric features, including a built-in firewall, a "no-logs" VPN, antivirus software, encrypted messaging, and cloud photo storage. However, experts say that these features are not unique to the UP Phone and can be found in other Android phones on the market.

One feature that does set the UP Phone apart from its competitors is its kill switch, which allows users to physically disable the phone's power when it is switched off. This feature is touted as a major security benefit, but experts say that it may not be as secure as Unplugged claims.

But what really sets Unplugged apart from other smartphone manufacturers is its connection to Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater. Prince has been a vocal supporter of the UP Phone and has even promoted it on his podcast, Off Leash with Erik Prince. He has also appeared on The Tucker Carlson Show, touting the phone's supposed benefits.

However, some experts are questioning Unplugged's motives for promoting the phone, particularly in light of its connection to Prince and Blackwater. "Security products depend on both engineering and the folks behind them," says Nicholas Weaver, a networking researcher at the International Computer Science Institute. "I can't evaluate their engineering but personally, I wouldn't trust Erik Prince or anyone he might hire to guard a lemonade stand."

Another expert, Christoph Hebeisen, director of security intelligence research at mobile security firm Lookout, agrees that Unplugged's claims may be exaggerated. "Smaller companies are unlikely to match the scale of development and security teams larger players such as Google or Samsung have at their disposal," he says. "In addition, a buy-out of the company or other major change could change their approach/attitude towards privacy or security in the future."

Despite these warnings, Unplugged continues to promote its UP Phone as a beacon of hope for consumers looking for a secure and private smartphone experience. But is it worth the cost? Only time will tell.