Paragon Ends Contract with Italian Government Amid Spyware Controversy: Latest Media Insights

Paragon Ends Contract with Italian Government Amid Spyware Controversy: Latest Media Insights

Paragon Solutions, a prominent startup specializing in surveillance technologies, including phone spyware, has severed its ties with the Italian government following serious allegations of misuse. Reports from major news outlets like The Guardian and Haaretz highlight the unfolding situation that raises critical questions about cybersecurity and privacy.

Termination of Contract with Italian Government

According to The Guardian, Paragon Solutions initially suspended its contract with Italy after WhatsApp disclosed a hacking campaign utilizing the Israeli startup’s spyware, which allegedly targeted around 90 individuals. This decision escalated to a complete contract termination when Paragon concluded that the Italian government had violated the agreed-upon terms of service.

Details of the Allegations

  • Paragon ended its contract with two Italian agencies: a law enforcement agency and an intelligence organization.
  • The spyware product in question is known as Graphite.
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office has denied any involvement in the spyware operations, asserting that no legally protected individuals were targeted.

Involvement of Cybersecurity Authorities

Arturo di Corinto, a spokesperson for Italy’s Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale (ACN), confirmed that they are currently in discussions with Meta’s legal team regarding the matter. He emphasized the sensitivity of the situation due to the involvement of a foreign entity and the alleged surveillance of journalists and human rights advocates.

Responses from Paragon Solutions

Paragon’s CEO, Idan Nurick, refrained from commenting on the specifics of the Italian cases or WhatsApp’s claims. Meanwhile, John Fleming, the executive chairman of Paragon’s U.S. subsidiary, did not respond to requests for comment.

Identifying Targeted Individuals

Following the revelation of the spyware campaign, several individuals have identified themselves as targets:

  1. Francesco Cancellato: Director of Fanpage.it, known for exposing controversial activities within the Italian government.
  2. Husam El Gomati: A Libyan activist based in Sweden, critical of the immigration policies of both Italy and Libya.
  3. Luca Casarini: Co-founder of Mediterranea Saving Humans, an NGO aiding immigrants.
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Broader Implications Across Europe

Reports indicate that the surveillance may extend beyond Italy, with potential victims in various European nations, including Austria, Belgium, and Germany. The Italian government has reached out to WhatsApp for further clarification on these allegations.

Paragon’s Commitment to Ethical Standards

In a statement, John Fleming emphasized that Paragon maintains a strict policy against the illicit targeting of journalists and civil society members. The company claims to have a zero-tolerance policy for violations of its terms of service.

As this story develops, further revelations regarding the extent of the spyware’s reach and the implications for privacy and cybersecurity are anticipated.

Contact Information

If you have additional insights regarding Paragon Solutions or the ongoing spyware controversy, please reach out to Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai securely via Signal at +1 917 257 1382, or through Telegram and Keybase @lorenzofb. You can also contact TechCrunch through SecureDrop.

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