European journalists targeted with Paragon Solutions spyware, say researchers

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Investigation Reveals Targeting of Journalists with Paragon Solutions Spyware in Italy"

European journalists targeted with Paragon Solutions spyware, say researchers analysis cover image The Guardian 8.6
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/jun/12/european-journalists-targeted-with-paragon-solutions-spyware-say-researchers
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TruthLens AI Summary

The ongoing investigation into the hacking scandal involving Italy's rightwing government has intensified following the revelation of new targets among journalists. Researchers from the Citizen Lab have disclosed that two journalists, including Francesco Cancellato, an investigative journalist critical of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration, were targeted using military-grade spyware known as Graphite, developed by the Israel-based company Paragon Solutions. This follows earlier confirmations by a parliamentary committee that Italy had employed Paragon's spyware against activists. The investigation, which began in March, has yet to identify the perpetrators behind the targeting of Cancellato, raising concerns over press freedom and governmental transparency in Italy. Ciro Pellegrino, a colleague of Cancellato and head of the Naples bureau for Fanpage.it, is also among the targeted individuals, along with an unnamed prominent European journalist, highlighting a disturbing pattern of surveillance against those who challenge government narratives.

As the situation unfolds, tensions between Paragon and the Italian government escalate. Reports indicate that Paragon offered to assist in the investigation of Cancellato's case, but the Italian government declined the offer, citing national security issues. The Italian parliamentary committee, Copasir, has noted that both domestic and foreign intelligence agencies have contracts with Paragon, which they claim are used under strict conditions for legitimate purposes such as counter-terrorism and organized crime investigations. However, the use of such spyware against journalists has sparked outrage among opposition parties and European Parliament members, leading to a scheduled debate on the matter. The Citizen Lab has confirmed that both targeted journalists' devices bore distinct digital traces of Paragon's spyware, suggesting a coordinated effort behind the attacks. The situation raises critical questions about the ethical use of surveillance technology and its implications for civil liberties in democratic societies.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article sheds light on a troubling trend of surveillance aimed at journalists in Italy, particularly under the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. It highlights the use of military-grade spyware by the Italian government, revealing a deeper issue of press freedom and governmental transparency in the country.

Targeting Journalists and Implications for Press Freedom

The report from Citizen Lab indicates that more than one journalist has been targeted with Paragon Solutions' spyware, specifically highlighting the cases of Francesco Cancellato and Ciro Pellegrino. This raises significant concerns about the safety of journalists in Italy, particularly those who are critical of the government. The implications for press freedom are stark; if journalists cannot report without the fear of being surveilled, the integrity of journalism is compromised.

Government Response and Accountability

The Italian government's refusal to engage with Paragon Solutions regarding the investigation into Cancellato's case suggests a reluctance to confront the issue directly. This could be interpreted as an attempt to avoid accountability for the misuse of surveillance tools, potentially undermining public trust in the government. The scheduled debate in the European Parliament indicates that this issue is gaining traction beyond Italy, drawing international scrutiny to the situation in Italy.

Public Perception and Opposition Reaction

The revelation of using spyware against journalists has sparked outrage among opposition parties and European lawmakers. This public outcry could influence the political landscape in Italy, potentially galvanizing opposition forces that seek to challenge Meloni's government. There is a clear attempt to shape public perception regarding the government's stance on press freedom and civil liberties, aiming to highlight the risks of authoritarianism.

Potential for Economic and Political Impact

The fallout from this scandal could have broader implications for Italy's political stability and economic environment. If public trust erodes further, it may lead to political unrest, impacting investor confidence and economic growth. The reaction from the European Parliament could also affect Italy's standing within the EU, impacting negotiations on various fronts.

Target Audience and Community Support

This article likely resonates with communities that value press freedom, civil liberties, and transparency in governance. Activist groups, journalists, and civil society organizations may find common cause in the fight against government overreach and the protection of journalistic integrity.

Market and International Relations Effects

While the immediate impact on stock markets may be limited, the ongoing controversy could influence sectors involving media and technology, particularly those related to cybersecurity and privacy. Internationally, the article highlights tensions between Italy and Israel, which may have broader implications for diplomatic relationships.

AI Involvement in Article Composition

It is plausible that AI-assisted tools were used in the drafting of this article, particularly in analyzing data or generating insights based on previous cases of surveillance. The language and structure of the report suggest a methodical approach to presenting facts, which could be enhanced by AI capabilities.

The underlying manipulation might stem from the framing of the government as oppressive, potentially swaying public opinion against Meloni's administration. This could serve to rally opposition forces and mobilize public sentiment against perceived governmental abuses.

The reliability of the article hinges on the credibility of the sources cited and the ongoing investigations. Given the nature of the claims and the involvement of reputable research institutions like Citizen Lab, the article can be viewed as a credible account of a serious issue facing press freedom in Italy.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/jun/12/european-journalists-targeted-with-paragon-solutions-spyware-say-researchers

The hacking mystery roiling the Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s rightwing government is deepening after researchers said they found new evidence that two more journalists were targeted using the same military-grade spyware that Italy has admitted to using against activists.

A parliamentary committee overseeing intelligence confirmed earlier this month thatItalyused mercenary spyware made by Israel-based Paragon Solutions against two Italian activists.

But the same committee, which launched an investigation into the hacking scandal in March, said it was unable to determine who was behind the targeting of a prominent Italian investigative journalist named Francesco Cancellato, whose news outlet has been critical of the Meloni government.

Now areport by researchers at the Citizen Labhas revealed that a close colleague of Cancellato, Ciro Pellegrino, who is head of the investigative outlet Fanpage.it’s Naples bureau, was also targeted by a user of Paragon Solution’s spyware, which is called Graphite. The Citizen Lab said a third journalist, who chose to remain anonymous and is described as a “prominent European journalist”, had also been targeted with the spyware.

The news comes as Paragon and the Italian government have been engaged in an acrimonious public spat. Haaretz reported this week that Paragon had offered to assist the Italian government in investigating Cancellato’s case. Italy reportedly rejected that offer, however, with the Italian department of security intelligence saying that it raised national security concerns.

Meloni’s office did not reply to a request for comment. A debate on the matter, which has prompted outrage among the Italian opposition and MEPs in Brussels, has been scheduled in the European parliament on 16 June.

The Guardian approached Paragon for comment on the latest development. It referred to comments it made to Haaretz, in which it confirmed it cancelled its contract with the Italian government after reports first emerged in February that Cancellato had been targeted. The Guardian first reported that Paragon wasterminating its contract with Italy in February.

Like other spyware vendors, Paragon sells its cyberweapon to government clients who are supposed to use it to prevent crime. The company has said it sells its spyware only to democratic countries and that its terms of service forbids agencies to use the spyware against journalists or members of civil society.

The question now remains who is behind the targeting of the two journalists.

John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the Citizen Lab, said: “We found that both journalists phones bore Paragon’s unmistakable digital fingerprints. Making matters even more interesting, we found fingerprints matching the same Paragon customer in both cases.”

A report released by the Copasir parliamentary committee found that Italy’s domestic and foreign intelligence agencies had contracts with Paragon in 2023 and 2024, and that the hacking software was used with the permission of a prosecutor and in limited circumstances. The committee said the spyware had been used to search for fugitives, investigate alleged terrorism, organised crime, fuel smuggling and counter-espionage efforts.

It said the pro-immigrant human rights activists who were targeted – they included Luca Cassarini and Giuseppe Caccia – had been spied on due to their connection to “irregular immigration” and not because they were involved in human rights.

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Source: The Guardian