Israeli Spyware Firm Paragon Ends Contract with Italy Over Alleged Misuse

Paragon Solutions terminated Italy's access to its spyware after allegations of targeting journalists and activists critical of the government emerged.

Paragon Solutions, maker of the spyware Graphite, cut ties with two Italian government agencies after claims of misuse against journalists and activists surfaced.
WhatsApp identified around 90 individuals, including journalists and civil society members in over two dozen countries, as targets of a zero-click spyware attack linked to Paragon.
Three individuals critical of the Italian government, including a journalist and two activists, have come forward as victims of the alleged surveillance campaign.
The Italian government has denied involvement in the targeting and stated that seven Italian users were affected, while also pointing to other European countries as potential clients of Paragon.
Paragon reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for targeting journalists and civil society figures, stating it terminated Italy's access for violating its ethical framework and terms of service.