The recent deployment of Paragon’s Graphite spyware against human rights defenders and journalists has intensified concerns over Europe’s escalating spyware crisis. This development underscores the vulnerability of civil society actors to invasive surveillance technologies.
In Italy, government authorities sanctioned the use of Graphite spyware on members of the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, citing national security concerns. This action has sparked significant controversy and legal scrutiny, highlighting the potential misuse of surveillance tools against humanitarian organizations. ​
Similarly, in Serbia, reports have emerged that the secret service and police employed spyware to monitor journalists and opposition activists by infiltrating their mobile devices. This practice has raised alarms about the suppression of dissent and the erosion of press freedom within the country. ​
The proliferation of spyware is not confined to Europe. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security’s contract with Paragon Solutions for the Graphite spyware has prompted concerns about potential overreach and the implications for civil liberties. This situation underscores the global nature of the spyware dilemma and the challenges in regulating its use.
These incidents collectively highlight the urgent need for comprehensive oversight and regulation of spyware technologies. The targeting of civil society members, journalists, and activists poses a significant threat to human rights and democratic principles. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated international efforts to establish clear legal frameworks that prevent the abuse of surveillance tools.
Italian government approved use of spyware on members of refugee NGO, MPs told
The Italian government approved the use of a sophisticated surveillance tool to spy on members of a humanitarian NGO because they were allegedly deemed a possible threat to national security, MPs have heard.
Alfredo Mantovano, a cabinet undersecretary, made the admission during a classified meeting with Copasir, the parliamentary committee for national security, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Copasir is investigating whether the secret services breached the law in using Graphite, military-grade spyware made by the Israel-based Paragon Solutions, to monitor activists and journalists, and is expecting to report on its finding soon.
Giorgia Meloni’s government has been under pressure to address the case since January, when a handful of Italian activists and a journalist received warnings from WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Meta, that their phones had been targeted by spyware.
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