New revelations about the use of U.S.-supported Israeli spyware to surveil European journalists have ignited debates over press freedom and democratic safeguards. Researchers at Citizen Lab uncovered evidence that Graphite, a tool developed by Israel-based Paragon Solutions, infiltrated the phones of at least three high-profile journalists in Europe—including two editors at an Italian investigative outlet.
The Spyware Scandal Unfolds
The findings cast scrutiny on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, which faces allegations of enabling surveillance against critics. While Meloni's office declined to comment, a Cabinet member asserted Italy's adherence to legal protocols. The European Commission condemned potential data breaches, stating: "Any attempts to illegally access data of citizens… is unacceptable."
A Pattern of Abuse Emerges
Paragon Solutions, backed by former Israeli PM Ehud Barak, has secured U.S. contracts while marketing itself as an ethical player in the spyware industry. However, Meta revealed in January that Graphite compromised 90+ WhatsApp users across Europe and beyond. "Commercial spyware is being weaponized," a WhatsApp spokesperson warned.
Calls for Accountability
Vittorio di Trapani of Italy's journalists' union urged EU intervention: "The democracy of a founding country… is at stake." Citizen Lab's John Scott-Railton compared Paragon to the notorious NSO Group, emphasizing systemic industry failures: "One moment the phone is yours, and the next its data is streaming to an attacker."
As investigations continue, the case highlights growing tensions between national security priorities and fundamental rights in democratic societies.
