An Israeli spyware firm, Paragon Solutions, has reportedly restricted access to its services in Italy following allegations that its technology was misused to surveil critics of the Italian government. This move follows WhatsApp's announcement last week, revealing that its platform had been compromised to target approximately 90 users, including journalists and advocates in various countries.
Spyware Scandal: Paragon Solutions Limits Access in Italy Amid Activist Targeting Allegations
Spyware Scandal: Paragon Solutions Limits Access in Italy Amid Activist Targeting Allegations
Reports emerge of Israeli spyware firm restricting its Italian clientele following claims of government critic surveillance.
The Italian government confirmed on Wednesday that seven mobile phone users within its borders were victims of this spyware campaign, labeling the situation as "particularly serious." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office has firmly denied any government involvement and requested an investigation from Italy's National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN). Reports from notable news outlets reveal that three individuals targeted include investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, critic Husam El Gomati, and humanitarian NGO founder Luca Casarini.
Multiple sources indicate that Paragon Solutions has halted its services to law enforcement and intelligence clients in Italy, amidst increasing scrutiny over the company’s practices, which include disallowed surveillance tactics. The company's primary product, Graphite, enables users to gain extensive access to target phones, often compromising the privacy of individuals for purported crime-fighting purposes. Paragon is seen as a competitor of the notorious NSO Group, known for its Pegasus spyware.
WhatsApp's initial report tackled the spyware campaign's implications, asserting that the targeted individuals fell under the categories of journalists and civil society members. The messaging platform stated this incident exemplifies the urgent need for accountability among spyware manufacturers. They emphasized their commitment to safeguarding user communication.
As investigations unfold, the identities of other targeted individuals remain undisclosed, while WhatsApp’s system revealed that the affected individuals had phone numbers from various European countries, facilitating widespread concern over international privacy violations.
Multiple sources indicate that Paragon Solutions has halted its services to law enforcement and intelligence clients in Italy, amidst increasing scrutiny over the company’s practices, which include disallowed surveillance tactics. The company's primary product, Graphite, enables users to gain extensive access to target phones, often compromising the privacy of individuals for purported crime-fighting purposes. Paragon is seen as a competitor of the notorious NSO Group, known for its Pegasus spyware.
WhatsApp's initial report tackled the spyware campaign's implications, asserting that the targeted individuals fell under the categories of journalists and civil society members. The messaging platform stated this incident exemplifies the urgent need for accountability among spyware manufacturers. They emphasized their commitment to safeguarding user communication.
As investigations unfold, the identities of other targeted individuals remain undisclosed, while WhatsApp’s system revealed that the affected individuals had phone numbers from various European countries, facilitating widespread concern over international privacy violations.
