Concerns Rise Over Paragon Spyware Targeting Journalists, Activists in Europe
Amnesty International has condemned the use of Paragon Solutions’ Graphite spyware to target journalists and human rights defenders across Europe, calling for urgent regulatory measures to safeguard civil liberties, Jurist News reported. This condemnation follows a recent investigation by Citizen Lab, which highlighted a growing spyware crisis in the region, raising critical concerns about privacy, surveillance, and government accountability.
The report from Citizen Lab, based at the University of Toronto, reveals multiple instances of Graphite being deployed in various democratic nations, with Italy being a particular hotspot. The spyware infiltrates devices by targeting messaging applications, making detection challenging and raising alarms about its use against civil society members.
Notably, Italian journalists and human rights advocates have reported spyware infections on their devices. A prominent case involves David Yambio, founder of Refugees in Libya, who was targeted while communicating sensitive information with the International Criminal Court (ICC). His experience underscores how spyware can suppress activism and obstruct accountability.
In response to these revelations, the European Parliament is being urged to investigate the misuse of spyware, with several Members of Parliament expressing concerns over its impact on press freedom and democratic values. The Parliament is currently evaluating new regulations aimed at addressing the misuse of surveillance tools.
Paragon Solutions claims its spyware is intended for government use against serious crimes and terrorism, asserting that it sells to clients who adhere to international norms. However, the increasing reports of Graphite’s use against civil society raise urgent ethical and legal questions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive regulations to prevent unlawful surveillance practices.
