Thu Feb 13 11:46:03 UTC 2025: ## Italy Denies Spying on Journalists, Agrees to Investigate Spyware Use
**Rome, February 13, 2025** – The Italian government vehemently denied accusations of using military-grade spyware to target journalists and migrant activists, despite evidence suggesting at least seven Italian phones were hacked using technology from Israeli firm Paragon Solutions. While acknowledging a long-standing contract with Paragon for intelligence gathering to combat terrorism, Cabinet Minister Luca Ciriani insisted all actions were legal. He promised full cooperation with an investigation into “vulnerabilities” in the system and threatened legal action against those alleging illegal surveillance.
The revelation follows a January 31st WhatsApp alert to dozens across the EU, notifying them of a spyware attack linked to Paragon. Among the targeted Italians were Luca Casarini, head of migrant rescue group Mediterranea Saving Humans, and Francesco Cancellato, editor of the news website Fanpage, both known for their criticism of the Italian government. Both confirmed receiving the WhatsApp alerts.
While the Italian government maintains the contract with Paragon continues, reports suggest one contract – possibly with a separate law enforcement agency – has been terminated following the public disclosure of the spyware campaign. Paragon’s Graphite spyware, capable of hacking encrypted smartphones, is at the center of the controversy. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported Paragon had two contracts with Italy for this technology.
The Italian National Cybersecurity Agency is investigating, and the government stated it will fully support the inquiry. The incident raises significant concerns about freedom of the press and potential government overreach in surveillance.
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