FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Paragon solutions - Caught on Camera

From exporting spyware to surveilling activists – how democracies became the new digital authoritarians

“Digital authoritarianism” refers to governments using technology for surveillance and censorship to repress dissent.

The Conversation · Jun 4

ICE Just Dropped $25 Million on Iris Scanners and the Way They’re Using Them Is Already Haunting Immigrants in Chicago

ICE has a history of deploying invasive technologies without clear guidelines.

The Mary Sue · May 28

Italian activists and journalist targeted by spyware in 2024, prosecutors confirm

Investigation finds three were hacked by Paragon spyware at same time, potentially fuelling questions for government

The Guardian - UK · Mar 6

Italian government denies it spied on journalists and migrant activists using Paragon spyware

Italy's government denies that it has spied on journalists and migrant activists using spyware, but says it will cooperate with any investigation into “vulnerabilities” after at least seven Italian cellphones were apparently hacked with military-grade surveillance technology

The Independent UK · Feb 12, 2025

Revelations of Israeli spyware abuse raise fears over possible use by Trump

After WhatsApp claimed 90 users were targeted last year, experts concerned over how US could use cyberweapons

The Guardian - US · Feb 10, 2025

Owner of spyware used in alleged WhatsApp breach ends contract with Italy

Exclusive: Decision comes after Italian investigative journalist and two activists alleged to have been targeted by Paragon Solutions spyware

The Guardian - UK · Feb 6, 2025

Italian founder of migrant rescue group ‘targeted with spyware’

Luca Casarini is most prominent person to come forward since WhatsApp said that 90 people, across two dozen countries, had probably been hacked

The Guardian - UK · Feb 5, 2025

Critic of Italy-Libya migration pact told he was target of Israeli spyware

Husam El Gomati, who reports on links between Italian government and Libya’s coastguard, fears for his sources

The Guardian - UK · Feb 3, 2025

Italian investigative journalist targeted on WhatsApp by Israeli spyware

Francesco Cancellato, whose reporting exposes fascists within PM Meloni’s far-right party, condemns ‘violation’

The Guardian - US · Jan 31, 2025

WhatsApp says journalists and civil society members were targets of Israeli spyware

Messaging app said it had ‘high confidence’ some users were targeted and ‘possibly compromised’ by Paragon Solutions spyware

The Guardian - US · Jan 31, 2025