Spyware Targeted MEP Probing Pegasus Abuses
A member of the European Parliament (MEP) who has been investigating the abuses of the Pegasus spyware was herself targeted with spyware, according to a report published on Friday by the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab and Amnesty International. The MEP, Sophie in 't Veld, a Dutch liberal, was infected with spyware on her mobile phone in 2021, the report found.
Details of the Attack
The spyware used was identified as "Predator," a commercial surveillance tool developed by the Israeli company Cytrox. The attack occurred in April 2021, shortly after in 't Veld had been appointed as the European Parliament's rapporteur on the Pegasus investigation. The report states that the spyware was delivered via a malicious link sent in a text message. Once installed, it could access the MEP's messages, contacts, and microphone.
Impact and Reactions
In 't Veld said she was "shocked but not surprised" by the revelation. "This shows that those who investigate spyware abuses are themselves at risk," she said. The report highlights the growing threat of commercial spyware to human rights defenders, journalists, and politicians. The European Parliament has called for a full investigation into the use of spyware against its members.
Broader Context
The Pegasus scandal, which erupted in 2021, revealed that the spyware developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group had been used to target journalists, activists, and politicians worldwide. The new report underscores that other spyware firms, like Cytrox, are also engaging in similar practices. The European Union is currently considering legislation to regulate the sale and use of spyware.
