The release of a Citizen Lab report has unveiled shocking evidence of Paragon’s spyware targeting journalists and human rights advocates in Italy, raising alarms about the escalating surveillance crisis in Europe. Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, Head of Amnesty International’s Security Lab, emphasised the seriousness of this issue, stating that the spyware’s use against vital sea rescue organisations adds a treacherous layer to the challenges these groups already face.
This disturbing trend is only compounded by the results of earlier investigations that revealed a widespread and abusive pattern of spyware usage across Europe, with countries like Serbia, Spain, Greece, Poland, and Hungary involved. Ó Cearbhaill lamented the lack of action from national and European authorities, criticising their ineffective regulatory stance as a catalyst for the global spyware epidemic.
Amnesty International’s recent six-month investigation revealed more cases of spyware targeting sea rescue activists in Italy, showcasing that these incidents are merely the beginning. The horrific implications of this digital infringement represent an alarming facet of ongoing human rights violations.
Among the reported targets of this invasive technology are journalist Francesco Cancellato and Mediterranea Saving Humans founders Luca Casarini and Dr Giuseppe Caccia. Additionally, the phone of David Yambio, founder of Refugees in Libya, displayed evidence of spyware without clear attribution to Paragon yet.
The Graphite spyware, designed for optimal covert access to private data, is fundamentally incompatible with human rights standards. Consequently, this type of invasive surveillance must be outlawed. Despite WhatsApp’s recent alerts to 90 individuals, most of whom are journalists and rights advocates, the European Commission has yet to act on the PEGA committee’s recommendations regarding the prohibition of such surveillance tools.
A Citizen Lab report reveals the use of Paragon’s spyware against journalists and human rights defenders in Italy, highlighting a growing surveillance crisis in Europe. Amnesty’s Donncha Ó Cearbhaill condemns the lack of effective action from authorities and suggests the potential for more victims. The invasive Graphite spyware raises alarm for human rights, calling for urgent regulation and a ban on such technology.
The rise of Paragon’s spyware misuse highlights a critical digital surveillance crisis in Europe, particularly targeting journalists and human rights defenders. Ongoing investigations and previous reports indicate a pervading issue that goes unaddressed by authorities. To protect vulnerable individuals, a call for urgent regulatory reform and a ban on invasive surveillance tools is essential, lest the situation deteriorates further.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
