This article delves into the recent allegations involving Paragon Solutions, a leading spyware manufacturer, and the Italian government's response to claims of surveillance targeting critics.
Spyware Controversy: Paragon Solutions Cuts Italy Access Amid Targeting Allegations
Spyware Controversy: Paragon Solutions Cuts Italy Access Amid Targeting Allegations
An Israeli spyware firm has withdrawn its services from Italy following serious accusations of targeting local activists and journalists.
An Israeli spyware firm, Paragon Solutions, has reportedly severed ties with its Italian clients amidst allegations that its software was used to target government critics and activists within the country. The decision follows claims by WhatsApp which stated last week that the spyware was involved in surveilling 90 users across various nations, including journalists and members of civil society.
The Italian government confirmed on Wednesday the targeting of seven mobile phone users by the spyware via WhatsApp, labeling the incident as "particularly serious." In response to these allegations, the office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has firmly denied any governmental involvement and has tasked Italy's National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) to investigate the matter further.
Among those allegedly targeted are prominent figures such as investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, Husam El Gomati—a vocal critic of Italy's policies in Libya—and Luca Casarini, founder of a non-governmental organization dedicated to assisting migrants. Their revelations have brought increased scrutiny to the issue.
According to reports by The Guardian and Haaretz, Paragon Solutions has now officially cut its services to Italian clients, including a law enforcement agency and an intelligence agency. The spyware is marketed exclusively to state entities and its flagship service, Graphite, allows complete access to a target's phone, ostensibly for combating crime.
As a competitor to the notorious NSO Group and its Pegasus malware, Paragon Solutions has found itself in the spotlight due to the ongoing controversy. In a statement, WhatsApp confirmed its actions to disrupt a spyware campaign targeting journalists and civil rights advocates. They emphasized the importance of accountability among spyware companies, reiterating their commitment to protecting users' privacy.
The Italian authorities received notifications from WhatsApp indicating that the targeted individuals possessed phone numbers originating from multiple European countries including Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. WhatsApp representatives further revealed to Reuters that the spyware campaign involved the use of malicious documents that executed a "zero click" attack, compromising devices without requiring any action from the users.
Given this troubling situation, it’s evident that the ethical implications and potential governmental abuse surrounding the use of spyware technology continue to raise alarms, necessitating stringent oversight and accountability measures.
