In a significant development, a prominent Israeli spyware firm has reportedly severed ties with its clients in Italy following serious allegations of targeting activists and journalists critical of the government.
Israeli Spyware Firm Cuts Ties After Targeting Allegations in Italy
Israeli Spyware Firm Cuts Ties After Targeting Allegations in Italy
Israeli company suspends Italian clients amid claims of surveillance on activists and journalists.
The controversy intensified when WhatsApp disclosed that Paragon Solutions' spyware had been used against approximately 90 users across multiple countries, including Italy, where seven individuals were identified as targets. Italy's government has denounced the breach as “particularly serious” and urged local cybersecurity authorities to investigate. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office has also issued a statement denying any governmental involvement in the alleged surveillance activities.
Among those reportedly targeted are investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, vocal critic Husam El Gomati, and NGO founder Luca Casarini. These revelations have raised concerns about the misuse of powerful surveillance tools in undermining press freedom and civil liberties.
Following the uproar, Paragon Solutions announced that it has terminated its operations with clients in Italy, which include both law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Paragon's flagship product, Graphite, is designed for comprehensive access to target devices and is marketed as a tool to combat crime, positioning it as a competitor to the notorious NSO Group and its spyware, Pegasus.
WhatsApp has reiterated its commitment to user privacy, emphasizing the need for accountability among spyware companies and outlining the dangers posed by such technologies. The company reported that the hacking method involved a zero-click exploit, allowing attackers to access devices without direct user action.
While the full scope of the spyware campaign remains unclear, WhatsApp noted the international nature of the targets, with phone numbers linked to various European countries. As investigations continue, worries escalate regarding the impact of surveillance on civil society and free expression in Italy.
Among those reportedly targeted are investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, vocal critic Husam El Gomati, and NGO founder Luca Casarini. These revelations have raised concerns about the misuse of powerful surveillance tools in undermining press freedom and civil liberties.
Following the uproar, Paragon Solutions announced that it has terminated its operations with clients in Italy, which include both law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Paragon's flagship product, Graphite, is designed for comprehensive access to target devices and is marketed as a tool to combat crime, positioning it as a competitor to the notorious NSO Group and its spyware, Pegasus.
WhatsApp has reiterated its commitment to user privacy, emphasizing the need for accountability among spyware companies and outlining the dangers posed by such technologies. The company reported that the hacking method involved a zero-click exploit, allowing attackers to access devices without direct user action.
While the full scope of the spyware campaign remains unclear, WhatsApp noted the international nature of the targets, with phone numbers linked to various European countries. As investigations continue, worries escalate regarding the impact of surveillance on civil society and free expression in Italy.
