Israeli spyware, specifically Pegasus developed by NSO Group, was used to hack the phone of Stelios Kouloglou, a former Greek member of the European Parliament (MEP) who was serving as a substitute member of the PEGA committee investigating spyware abuses in the EU. The phone infections occurred in October 2022 and again in March 2023, coinciding with significant committee activities, including hearings and report drafting. Citizen Lab’s forensic analysis indicated that the spyware could have compromised confidential committee communications, raising concerns about breaches of EU parliamentary privilege. Kouloglou expressed disbelief at being targeted while investigating spyware and intends to pursue legal action against NSO Group, as well as raise the issue within the European Parliament. The attacks utilized a “zero-click” exploit, allowing unauthorized access without user interaction.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding surveillance and privacy within democratic institutions, particularly in the context of the use of advanced spyware like Pegasus. The PEGA committee was specifically formed to address abuses of such technologies, and the hacking of a committee member raises serious questions about the integrity of investigations into surveillance practices. Historically, Pegasus has been linked to various global human rights abuses, including targeting journalists and activists, emphasizing the potential risks to democratic processes and the protection of confidential communications among lawmakers. The implications of such breaches could undermine trust in legislative bodies and the safeguards designed to protect sensitive information.
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