Paragon Solutions Terminates Contract with Italian Government Over Alleged Spyware Misuse
Published on February 7, 2025
- Italian government agencies reportedly misused the surveillance software provided by Paragon Solution.
- The Israel-based company announced cutting ties with its Italian clients due to contract violations.
- These Italian agencies reportedly included a law enforcement body and an intelligence service.
Paragon Solutions has officially terminated its contract with the Italian government following allegations of spyware misuse. The Israeli cybersecurity startup providing surveillance tools cited violations of “terms of service and ethical framework” by its Italian clients.
According to sources cited by The Guardian, the spyware in question, known as Graphite, was being used improperly by Italian government agencies.
Paragon terminated its contract on Wednesday. These agencies reportedly included a law enforcement body and an intelligence service, both of which have now been disconnected from the spyware.
This move comes in the wake of The Guardian and Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports highlighting a hacking campaign exposed by WhatsApp, which targeted at least 90 individuals, including journalists and human rights activists.
WhatsApp revealed earlier this week that it had thwarted attempts by spyware linked to Paragon Solutions to compromise phone data.
Following WhatsApp’s announcement, three individuals have identified themselves as victims of the hacked campaign:
- Francesco Cancellato, editor of Fanpage.it, a journalist who had reported critically on the far-right party led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- Husam El Gomati, a Libyan activist based in Sweden, known for criticizing bilateral agreements between Italy and Libya over migration policies.
- Luca Casarini, co-founder of the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, an organization advocating for the rights of migrants.
These individuals have openly criticized the surveillance method and its apparent targeting of those critical of governmental policies. The Italian Prime Minister's office has denied involvement but has contacted WhatsApp for more details.
WhatsApp’s investigation has revealed that the breach extended beyond Italy, with phone users in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, and several other European countries also targeted. Governments of these nations, however, have not commented on the allegations.
Paragon Solutions, which has positioned itself as a provider of ethical cyber-surveillance tools to "allied governments," stated that its spyware is accompanied by strict guidelines prohibiting abuses, including the targeting of journalists or civil society figures.
The company recently reaffirmed Paragon’s “zero-tolerance policy” towards those violating its ethical framework.
The Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale (ACN) confirmed that communications are ongoing with Meta—WhatsApp’s parent company—while the matter is under investigation. However, further details have not been disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the case.
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