Italian Government Under Pressure In Paragon Spy Scandal

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (photo: x @GiorgiaMeloni)

JAKARTA - Italy faced pressure on Friday 7 February to explain its relationship with Israeli spyware maker Paragon. The Hall follows reports that the company has cut ties with Roma on charges that the government has used its technology to hack the phones of critics, not criminals.

"The Paragon scandal cannot simply be removed ... Those responsible must be held accountable," said former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi.

After WhatsApp Meta chat service revealed last week that Paragon spyware had targeted dozens of its users, two Italians critical of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni - a journalist and a human rights activist - announced that they had been affected.

In response to this claim, the Italian government on Wednesday, February 5, said seven mobile phone users in the country had been targeted by the spyware, which was intended to be used on criminals. They denied involvement in the illicit hacking and called for an investigation.

However, the Guardian and Haaretz newspapers reported on Thursday 6 February that Paragon had cut ties with Italy, allegedly for not believing the government's rebuttal.

Paragon, which works exclusively with state entities, and its owner, Florida investment group AE Industrial Partners, did not immediately respond to emails about the report.

However, opposition politicians demanded further information, accusing the government of hiding the truth.

"The Paragon case seems to be a very serious problem. The government must provide clarification ... cannot bury his head in the sand in this case," said Elly Schlein, leader of the largest opposition group, the Democratic Party.

Italy's deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, suggested on Friday that "scoring settlement within the intelligence service" may be to blame for the misuse of spyware.

However, he later withdrew this comment, claiming that he had no knowledge of the incident and referring to other recent news involving a spy body.