Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions has shut down access to its clients in Italy after allegations its software was used to surveil activists, sparking political outrage and calls for accountability.
Spyware Scandal: Israeli Firm Halts Italian Operations Amid Activist Surveillance Allegations
Spyware Scandal: Israeli Firm Halts Italian Operations Amid Activist Surveillance Allegations
An Israeli spyware company halts its Italian client access following reports of targeted surveillance against activists.
Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions has reportedly severed ties with its clients in Italy in the wake of serious allegations that its software was used to monitor critics of the Italian government. The company’s decision follows WhatsApp's announcement last week that Paragon's spyware had targeted 90 users across two dozen countries, including journalists and members of civil society.
The Italian government confirmed on Wednesday that at least seven individuals in the country had their mobile devices compromised through WhatsApp, describing the situation as "particularly serious." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office has categorically denied involvement, urging the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Among those targeted are three notable figures: investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, community activist Husam El Gomati, who speaks out against Italy's actions in Libya, and Luca Casarini, the founder of a non-governmental organization supporting migrants. Their involvement highlights the chilling effect of surveillance on civil society and press freedom in Italy.
Paragon Solutions, which exclusively collaborates with state entities, reportedly ended all dealings with its Italian clients, which include intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The firm’s flagship product, Graphite, allows complete access to target devices, and while marketed as a tool for fighting crime, its misuse raises serious ethical and legal questions.
Competing with NSO Group—known for creating the infamous Pegasus spyware—Paragon has attracted scrutiny for its operational conduct. Following the incident, WhatsApp stated that it disrupted a spyware campaign targeting users, calling for heightened accountability from spyware companies to safeguard individual privacy rights.
WhatsApp disclosed that targeted individuals received malicious documents that exploited vulnerabilities for "zero-click hacks," allowing attackers to infiltrate devices without any user engagement. The Italian government reported that the compromised numbers had prefixes identifying them with various European nations, intensifying the diplomatic responses surrounding this disturbing case of digital surveillance.
