Recent reports indicate that an Israeli spyware company, Paragon Solutions, has revoked access to its products in Italy amid accusations that it was used to surveil critics of the Italian government. The controversy escalated after WhatsApp disclosed that spyware linked to Paragon had been employed against 90 users across multiple countries, including journalists and civil society advocates. Italy's government confirmed that seven mobile phone users had been affected, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office asserting that there was no official involvement and insisting on an investigation by the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN).
Spyware Controversy: Israeli Firm Cuts Italian Access Amid Allegations of Targeting Activists
Spyware Controversy: Israeli Firm Cuts Italian Access Amid Allegations of Targeting Activists
An Israeli spyware firm has ceased operations in Italy following serious allegations regarding the targeting of government critics.
Among those reportedly targeted are investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, critic Husam El Gomati, and NGO founder Luca Casarini. Reports from The Guardian and Haaretz reveal that Paragon has now cut ties with its clients in Italy, which reportedly include both intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Paragon's product, Graphite, enables extensive access to targeted phones and is marketed for crime-fighting purposes. The firm faces growing scrutiny, especially as it competes with NSO Group, the creator of the controversial Pegasus spyware.
WhatsApp's earlier statements emphasized the importance of accountability for spyware companies, asserting that they would safeguard users' right to private communication. The identities of others affected by the spyware campaign remain undisclosed, but Italy has been informed that targeted numbers were associated with several European countries. A WhatsApp representative highlighted the deployment of zero-click hacks, which do not require interaction from the user to compromise their devices.
In light of these developments, the conversation surrounding cybersecurity, governmental overreach, and the responsibility of technology companies continues to gain momentum across Europe.
WhatsApp's earlier statements emphasized the importance of accountability for spyware companies, asserting that they would safeguard users' right to private communication. The identities of others affected by the spyware campaign remain undisclosed, but Italy has been informed that targeted numbers were associated with several European countries. A WhatsApp representative highlighted the deployment of zero-click hacks, which do not require interaction from the user to compromise their devices.
In light of these developments, the conversation surrounding cybersecurity, governmental overreach, and the responsibility of technology companies continues to gain momentum across Europe.
