Israel's justice minister on Wednesday said that a full investigation would be carried out into allegations that Pegasus spyware was used to spy on Israeli citizens, including those who protested against former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Pegasus, a surveillance product made by the Israeli firm NSO that can turn a mobile phone into a pocket spying device, has remained a source of global controversy following revelations last year it was used to spy on journalists and dissidents worldwide.&nbsp;

Business daily Cakcalist has alleged that Pegasus was also used by police in Israel to snoop on Israeli citizens who were at the forefront of anti-Netanyahu protests last year. The daily alleges that other Israeli citizens were also spied upon.

Israeli police have firmly denied the report.&nbsp;

Public Security Minister Omar Barlev, a Netanyahu critic who took office as part of a new government that ousted him in June, offered a more nuanced defence.&nbsp;

There was "no practice of wire-tapping or hacking devices by police without a judge's approval", he said.

Israeli security forces have wide leeway to conduct surveillance within Israel with judicial approval.&nbsp;

But Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, an expert at the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank, told AFP "you can't really ask for a court order authorising&nbsp;Pegasus" because Israeli law does not currently permit such invasive surveillance of its citizens.

"It is now clear that the current Protection of Privacy Law is not equipped to cope with today’s reality," she said.&nbsp;

'Balance'?&nbsp;

The justice ministry and State Comptroller's office both said they were looking into the Calcalist reports.&nbsp;

The Privacy Protection Authority, a division of the ministry, said use of Pegasus to monitor Israeli citizens" would constitute a "serious violation of privacy", announcing its investigation.

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman said Tuesday he would expand his ongoing investigation into law enforcement's use of surveillance technology to include the latest Pegasus allegations.&nbsp;

He would in particular probe "the balance" between the "usefulness" of surveillance tools in investigations and "violations of the right to privacy". 
Justice Minister Gideon Saar, another Netanyahu rival, told parliament Wednesday that he fully backed the probes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's justice minister on Wednesday said that a full investigation would be carried out into allegations that Pegasus spyware was used to spy on Israeli citizens, including those who protested against former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel's justice minister on Wednesday said that a full investigation would be carried out into allegations that Pegasus spyware was used to spy on Israeli citizens, including those who protested against former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Pegasus, a surveillance product made by the Israeli firm NSO that can turn a mobile phone into a pocket spying device, has remained a source of global controversy following revelations last year it was used to spy on journalists and dissidents worldwide. Business daily Cakcalist has alleged that Pegasus was also used by police in Israel to snoop on Israeli citizens who were at the forefront of anti-Netanyahu protests last year. The daily alleges that other Israeli citizens were also spied upon. Israeli police have firmly denied the report. Public Security Minister Omar Barlev, a Netanyahu critic who took office as part of a new government that ousted him in June, offered a more nuanced defence. There was "no practice of wire-tapping or hacking devices by police without a judge's approval", he said. Israeli security forces have wide leeway to conduct surveillance within Israel with judicial approval. But Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, an expert at the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank, told AFP "you can't really ask for a court order authorising Pegasus" because Israeli law does not currently permit such invasive surveillance of its citizens. "It is now clear that the current Protection of Privacy Law is not equipped to cope with today’s reality," she said. 'Balance'? The justice ministry and State Comptroller's office both said they were looking into the Calcalist reports. The Privacy Protection Authority, a division of the ministry, said use of Pegasus to monitor Israeli citizens" would constitute a "serious violation of privacy", announcing its investigation. State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman said Tuesday he would expand his ongoing investigation into law enforcement's use of surveillance technology to include the latest Pegasus allegations. He would in particular probe "the balance" between the "usefulness" of surveillance tools in investigations and "violations of the right to privacy". Justice Minister Gideon Saar, another Netanyahu rival, told parliament Wednesday that he fully backed the probes. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to probe allegations of Pegasus spyware use against own citizens

The leader of Poland’s main opposition party, Donald Tusk, has called the hacking of his own phone through sophisticated spyware developed by the Israel-based NSO Group as the ''biggest crisis of democracy.''

Accusing the prosecutors of failing to act on the case, he said they viewed the incident as a "hot potato" to be passed between offices.

Echoing the statement, senator Krzysztof Brejza said, "The prosecutors' office is playing for time, they do not want to launch an investigation or refuse to launch an investigation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/zero-click-exploitation-google-describes-how-nsos-pegasus-hacked-into-iphones-438399">Also read |&nbsp;'Zero-click exploitation': Google describes how NSO's Pegasus hacked into iPhones</a>

The NSO Group says it makes technology for use by governments and law enforcement agencies to combat crime and terrorism, and has safeguards in place to prevent misuse.

Tusk has asked for the creation of a parliamentary commission to investigate surveillance. He said that his party would apply for the establishment of a commission of inquiry in the Sejm, the lower house of parliament.

Saying he believed that nobody wants to be eavesdropped on with impunity, he argued that it was in the interest of all political forces in Poland to clarify the situation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-spyware-row-nso-may-shut-down-pegasus-unit-436902">Also read |&nbsp;Amid spyware row, NSO may shut down Pegasus unit</a>

Calling the incident ''fake news'' Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki dismissed his claims. He also said that some security services in the world are “not entirely friendly toward Poland” and “act very ruthless.”

Government critics say that the prosecutors' office has been politicised. Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, the architect of judicial reforms that the European Union says undermine the independence of courts, also serves as prosecutor general.

Along with Tusk, Brejza, Ewa Wrzosek, a prosecutor critical of the government's judicial reforms, and Roman Giertych, a lawyer who has represented opposition figures, had also had their phones hacked.

All of them claim that Poland's ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS) party was responsible for the hacking.

Tusk had served as Poland’s prime minister from 2007-2014 and president of the European Council from 2014-2019.

(With inputs from agencies)

The leader of Poland’s main opposition party, Donald Tusk, has called the hacking of his own phone through sophisticated spyware developed by the Israel-based NSO Group as the ''biggest crisis of democracy.

The leader of Poland’s main opposition party, Donald Tusk, has called the hacking of his own phone through sophisticated spyware developed by the Israel-based NSO Group as the ''biggest crisis of democracy.'' Accusing the prosecutors of failing to act on the case, he said they viewed the incident as a "hot potato" to be passed between offices. Echoing the statement, senator Krzysztof Brejza said, "The prosecutors' office is playing for time, they do not want to launch an investigation or refuse to launch an investigation." Also read | 'Zero-click exploitation': Google describes how NSO's Pegasus hacked into iPhones The NSO Group says it makes technology for use by governments and law enforcement agencies to combat crime and terrorism, and has safeguards in place to prevent misuse. Tusk has asked for the creation of a parliamentary commission to investigate surveillance. He said that his party would apply for the establishment of a commission of inquiry in the Sejm, the lower house of parliament. Saying he believed that nobody wants to be eavesdropped on with impunity, he argued that it was in the interest of all political forces in Poland to clarify the situation. Also read | Amid spyware row, NSO may shut down Pegasus unit Calling the incident ''fake news'' Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki dismissed his claims. He also said that some security services in the world are “not entirely friendly toward Poland” and “act very ruthless.” Government critics say that the prosecutors' office has been politicised. Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, the architect of judicial reforms that the European Union says undermine the independence of courts, also serves as prosecutor general. Along with Tusk, Brejza, Ewa Wrzosek, a prosecutor critical of the government's judicial reforms, and Roman Giertych, a lawyer who has represented opposition figures, had also had their phones hacked. All of them claim that Poland's ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS) party was responsible for the hacking. Tusk had served as Poland’s prime minister from 2007-2014 and president of the European Council from 2014-2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Poland's opposition party leader calls hacking of phone through Pegasus software 'biggest crisis of democracy'

Amid worldwide uproar over NSO's Pegasus surveillance software allegedly used by various government agencies on individuals, Google in a blog post has tried to explain how the Israel-based company hacked into iPhones without anybody's knowledge.

Google said it is aware "NSO sells similar zero-click capabilities which target Android devices". It said that the "one-click exploit" occurs when a person's phone is being hacked when the link is clicked once.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-spyware-row-nso-may-shut-down-pegasus-unit-436902">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid spyware row, NSO may shut down Pegasus unit</a>

Google described how the Pegasus software hacked into iPhones. The search giant said in the post that NSO is now offering their clients "zero-click exploitation technology" allowing an attack on a person's phone even when the user hasn't clicked on a phishing link.&nbsp;

"In the zero-click scenario no user interaction is required," the blog post said. This means the attacker targeting a specific person does not need to send a phishing message since it works "silently in the background".

Watch:&nbsp;French President Macron changes phone after Pegasus case

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/frances-macron-changes-phone-in-light-of-pegasus-case-400090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's a weapon against which there is no defence," the Google post added. A person therefore can be targeted just for using a phone citing the Apple attack. A person with a phone number or an AppleID username can become a target, it informed.&nbsp;

Google said the "initial entry point" for Pegasus on the iPhone was the iMessage.

The Pegasus software uses GIF files in iMessages to target users. It uses the "fake gif" trick to hack into phones covertly even as the person remains unaware.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/pegasus-snooping-effect-apple-to-alert-users-whenever-iphones-get-hacked-by-spyware-432997">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Apple to alert users whenever iPhones get hacked by spyware</a>

The US government had recently blacklisted the NSO group since it supplied spyware to foreign governments that used tools to "maliciously target" government officials, journalists, business people and activists.

The post said Apple worked on the problem and fixed it in September this year as it released a new iOS update.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid worldwide uproar over NSO's Pegasus surveillance software allegedly used by various government agencies on individuals, Google in a blog post has tried to explain how the Israel-based company hacked into iPhones without anybody's knowledge.

Amid worldwide uproar over NSO's Pegasus surveillance software allegedly used by various government agencies on individuals, Google in a blog post has tried to explain how the Israel-based company hacked into iPhones without anybody's knowledge. Google said it is aware "NSO sells similar zero-click capabilities which target Android devices". It said that the "one-click exploit" occurs when a person's phone is being hacked when the link is clicked once. Also Read: Amid spyware row, NSO may shut down Pegasus unit Google described how the Pegasus software hacked into iPhones. The search giant said in the post that NSO is now offering their clients "zero-click exploitation technology" allowing an attack on a person's phone even when the user hasn't clicked on a phishing link. "In the zero-click scenario no user interaction is required," the blog post said. This means the attacker targeting a specific person does not need to send a phishing message since it works "silently in the background". Watch: French President Macron changes phone after Pegasus case "It's a weapon against which there is no defence," the Google post added. A person therefore can be targeted just for using a phone citing the Apple attack. A person with a phone number or an AppleID username can become a target, it informed. Google said the "initial entry point" for Pegasus on the iPhone was the iMessage. The Pegasus software uses GIF files in iMessages to target users. It uses the "fake gif" trick to hack into phones covertly even as the person remains unaware. Also Read: Apple to alert users whenever iPhones get hacked by spyware The US government had recently blacklisted the NSO group since it supplied spyware to foreign governments that used tools to "maliciously target" government officials, journalists, business people and activists. The post said Apple worked on the problem and fixed it in September this year as it released a new iOS update. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Zero-click exploitation': Google describes how NSO's Pegasus hacked into iPhones

French police officials detain a man suspected in the assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Meanwhile, the Saudi embassy refutes the detained man's involvement and has demanded immediate release.

French police arrests possible suspect in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi

Apple has said that it will alert the users whenever their iPhones and other Apple products are targeted by “state-sponsored” spyware attacks.&nbsp;

When Apple detects that a user has been targeted by state-sponsored hacking, it will send an iMessage and an email to the addresses on file, and a ‘Threat Notification’ will be displayed when the user signs into Apple ID, Apple said.

“State-sponsored attackers are very well-funded and sophisticated, and their attacks evolve over time. Detecting such attacks relies on threat intelligence signals that are often imperfect and incomplete,” Apple said in a statement.

“It’s possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms, or that some attacks are not detected. We are unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help state-sponsored attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future,” it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pegasus-snooping-row-apple-files-lawsuit-against-israels-nso-431515">Pegasus snooping row: Apple files lawsuit against Israel's NSO</a>

Apple has listed out some best practices for all users to better protect themselves from any malware or cyberattacks:

<ul>
	<li>Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes</li>
	<li>Protect devices with a passcode</li>
	<li>Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID</li>
	<li>Install apps from the App Store</li>
	<li>Use strong and unique passwords online</li>
	<li>Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders</li>
</ul>

The latest move by the Cupertino-based tech behemoth comes after it filed a lawsuit against the Israel-based NSO Group, following revelations that it licensed its Pegasus software to governments and other nation-state clients to snoop on people.

Mounting more trouble for the NSO group, the United States has blacklisted the firm, restricting exports from American groups over claims that the Israeli firm “enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression.”

The NSO has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted its software is intended only for use by authorities in combating terrorism and other crimes.

"Pedophiles and terrorists can freely operate in technological safe-havens, and we provide governments the lawful tools to fight it. NSO group will continue to advocate for the truth," the firm said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Apple has said that it will alert the users whenever their iPhones and other Apple products are targeted by “state-sponsored” spyware attacks. When Apple detects that a user has been targeted by state-sponsored hacking, it will send an iMessage and an email to the addresses on file, and a ‘Threat Notification’ will be displayed when the user signs into Apple ID, Apple said.

Apple has said that it will alert the users whenever their iPhones and other Apple products are targeted by “state-sponsored” spyware attacks. When Apple detects that a user has been targeted by state-sponsored hacking, it will send an iMessage and an email to the addresses on file, and a ‘Threat Notification’ will be displayed when the user signs into Apple ID, Apple said. “State-sponsored attackers are very well-funded and sophisticated, and their attacks evolve over time. Detecting such attacks relies on threat intelligence signals that are often imperfect and incomplete,” Apple said in a statement. “It’s possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms, or that some attacks are not detected. We are unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help state-sponsored attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future,” it added. Also read | Pegasus snooping row: Apple files lawsuit against Israel's NSO Apple has listed out some best practices for all users to better protect themselves from any malware or cyberattacks: Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes Protect devices with a passcode Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID Install apps from the App Store Use strong and unique passwords online Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders The latest move by the Cupertino-based tech behemoth comes after it filed a lawsuit against the Israel-based NSO Group, following revelations that it licensed its Pegasus software to governments and other nation-state clients to snoop on people. Mounting more trouble for the NSO group, the United States has blacklisted the firm, restricting exports from American groups over claims that the Israeli firm “enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression.” The NSO has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted its software is intended only for use by authorities in combating terrorism and other crimes. "Pedophiles and terrorists can freely operate in technological safe-havens, and we provide governments the lawful tools to fight it. NSO group will continue to advocate for the truth," the firm said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Pegasus snooping effect: Apple to alert users whenever iPhones get hacked by spyware

In light of the Pegasus spying scandal, Apple on Tuesday has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent NSO Group from targeting the over one billion iPhones in circulation.

Apple sues Israeli spyware firm NSO, seeks a permanent injunction to ban NSO

Palestine has accused Israel of using military-grade Pegasus software, developed by the NSO Group, to eavesdrop on the country.

The spying software has been detected on the phones of three officials as per the Palestinian Foreign Ministry.

Ahmed al-Deek, the assistant Palestinian foreign minister for political affairs said ''We are 100% sure that these three phones were hacked.''

It has called the move a ''blatant and immoral violation of international law.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pegasus-snooping-us-blacklists-spyware-maker-nso-group-for-maliciously-targetting-journalists-426591">Also read |&nbsp;Pegasus snooping: US blacklists spyware maker NSO Group for maliciously targetting journalists</a>

The company sends its products abroad under licences from Israel's Defence Ministry, which has launched its own probe of the company's practices after the alleged software misuse emerged.

Earlier, an investigation by a European rights group had found that Israeli-made Pegasus spyware was used to hack the phones of staff of Palestinian civil society groups targeted by Israel.&nbsp;

Israel insists the designated Palestinian groups work in collaboration with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a Marxist group labelled a terrorist organisation by many Western states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-national-security-council-looking-into-nso-pegasus-spyware-allegations-399484">Also read |&nbsp;Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations</a>

Pegasus, made by the NSO company that was put on a US blacklist last week, turns phones into pocket spying devices, giving users total access to the target's phone contents without them knowing.

Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms Inc, sued NSO for an injunction and damages in October 2019, accusing it of accessing WhatsApp servers without permission six months earlier to install its Pegasus malware on victims' mobile devices.

NSO has argued that Pegasus helps law enforcement and intelligence agencies fight crime and protect national security.

Palestine has accused Israel of using military-grade Pegasus software, developed by the NSO Group, to eavesdrop on the country. The spying software has been detected on the phones of three officials as per the Palestinian Foreign Ministry.

Palestine has accused Israel of using military-grade Pegasus software, developed by the NSO Group, to eavesdrop on the country. The spying software has been detected on the phones of three officials as per the Palestinian Foreign Ministry. Ahmed al-Deek, the assistant Palestinian foreign minister for political affairs said ''We are 100% sure that these three phones were hacked.'' It has called the move a ''blatant and immoral violation of international law.'' Also read | Pegasus snooping: US blacklists spyware maker NSO Group for maliciously targetting journalists The company sends its products abroad under licences from Israel's Defence Ministry, which has launched its own probe of the company's practices after the alleged software misuse emerged. Earlier, an investigation by a European rights group had found that Israeli-made Pegasus spyware was used to hack the phones of staff of Palestinian civil society groups targeted by Israel. Israel insists the designated Palestinian groups work in collaboration with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a Marxist group labelled a terrorist organisation by many Western states. Also read | Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations Pegasus, made by the NSO company that was put on a US blacklist last week, turns phones into pocket spying devices, giving users total access to the target's phone contents without them knowing. Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms Inc, sued NSO for an injunction and damages in October 2019, accusing it of accessing WhatsApp servers without permission six months earlier to install its Pegasus malware on victims' mobile devices. NSO has argued that Pegasus helps law enforcement and intelligence agencies fight crime and protect national security.

Palestine accuses Israel of using military-grade Pegasus software for eavesdropping

The United States Commerce Department has blacklistsed NSO, the maker of Israeli spyware Pegasus for maliciously targetting journalists.

According to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, ''The United States is committed to aggressively using export controls to hold companies accountable that develop, traffic, or use technologies to conduct malicious activities that threaten the cybersecurity of members of civil society, dissidents, government officials, and organisations here and abroad.''

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-nso-candiru-accused-of-selling-hacking-tools-426561/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The department has accused the firm of conducting ''transnational repression'' and selling its spyware to foreign governments that used the equipment to target government officials.

In response, the NSO said it was ''dismayed by the decision given that our technologies support US national security interests and policies by preventing terrorism and crime, and thus we will advocate for this decision to be reversed.''

''We look forward to presenting the full information regarding how we have the world's most rigorous compliance and human rights programmes that are based [on] the American values we deeply share.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-french-ministers-targeted-by-israels-pegasus-spyware-says-report-415871">Also read |&nbsp;Five French Ministers targeted by Israel's Pegasus spyware, says report</a>

Russia's Positive Technologies and Singapore's Computer Security Initiative Consultancy PTE LTD have also been added to the ''entity list'' by the US Commerce Department.

The Biden administration has ramped up its efforts to promote human rights to make it the centre of US foreign policy.

Researchers have found several examples of NSO Group tools using so-called ''zero-click'' exploits that infect targeted mobile phones without any user interaction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-national-security-council-looking-into-nso-pegasus-spyware-allegations-399484">Also read |&nbsp;Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations</a>

Pegasus infiltrates phones to vacuum up personal and location data and surreptitiously controls the smartphone’s microphones and cameras

The company is also being sued by Mark Zuckerberg for allegedly targeting some 1,400 users of its encrypted messaging service WhatsApp with its spyware.

In 2019, Chinese telecom company Huawei was added to the blacklist, cutting it off from some key US suppliers and making it difficult for them to produce mobile handsets.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Commerce Department has blacklistsed NSO, the maker of Israeli spyware Pegasus for maliciously targetting journalists. According to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, ''The United States is committed to aggressively using export controls to hold companies accountable that develop, traffic, or use technologies to conduct malicious activities that threaten the cybersecurity of members of civil society, dissidents, government officials, and organisations here and abroad.

The United States Commerce Department has blacklistsed NSO, the maker of Israeli spyware Pegasus for maliciously targetting journalists. According to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, ''The United States is committed to aggressively using export controls to hold companies accountable that develop, traffic, or use technologies to conduct malicious activities that threaten the cybersecurity of members of civil society, dissidents, government officials, and organisations here and abroad.'' The department has accused the firm of conducting ''transnational repression'' and selling its spyware to foreign governments that used the equipment to target government officials. In response, the NSO said it was ''dismayed by the decision given that our technologies support US national security interests and policies by preventing terrorism and crime, and thus we will advocate for this decision to be reversed.'' ''We look forward to presenting the full information regarding how we have the world's most rigorous compliance and human rights programmes that are based [on] the American values we deeply share.'' Also read | Five French Ministers targeted by Israel's Pegasus spyware, says report Russia's Positive Technologies and Singapore's Computer Security Initiative Consultancy PTE LTD have also been added to the ''entity list'' by the US Commerce Department. The Biden administration has ramped up its efforts to promote human rights to make it the centre of US foreign policy. Researchers have found several examples of NSO Group tools using so-called ''zero-click'' exploits that infect targeted mobile phones without any user interaction. Also read | Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations Pegasus infiltrates phones to vacuum up personal and location data and surreptitiously controls the smartphone’s microphones and cameras The company is also being sued by Mark Zuckerberg for allegedly targeting some 1,400 users of its encrypted messaging service WhatsApp with its spyware. In 2019, Chinese telecom company Huawei was added to the blacklist, cutting it off from some key US suppliers and making it difficult for them to produce mobile handsets. (With inputs from agencies)

Pegasus snooping: US blacklists spyware maker NSO Group for maliciously targetting journalists

India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday formed a committee of experts to look into the alleged use of Israeli spyware Pegasus for surveillance of Indian citizens.

A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said the three-member committee will be headed by former apex court judge RV Raveendran.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had argued in the court that disclosing the details on the use of Pegasus spyware involves national security issues, but it agreed to disclose all information before a committee of technical experts and urged the court to let it appoint the committee.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/121-indian-users-targeted-in-pegasus-spyware-attack-full-extent-may-never-be-known-whatsapp-263433">121 Indian users targeted in Pegasus spyware attack, full extent may never be known: Whatsapp</a>

The top court, in its judgment, said mere raising national security by the state would not stop it from taking up the issue, and emphasized that national security can’t be a bug bear and refused to accept the omnibus denial by the Centre.

“Of course, the…Union of India may decline to provide information when constitutional considerations exist, such as those pertaining to the security of the State. However, this does not mean that the State gets a free pass every time the spectre of ‘national security’ is raised,” the SC said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-national-security-council-looking-into-nso-pegasus-spyware-allegations-399484">&nbsp;Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations</a>

The bench noted that the government filed a limited affidavit, which didn’t make anything clear despite it repeatedly saying that the court is not concerned with issues of national security.

“We live in the era of information. We must recognise that while technology is important, it is important to safeguard the right to privacy,” the SC said, adding, “not only journalists, etc., but privacy is important for all citizens.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-launches-probe-into-pegasus-spyware-claim-399844">Algeria launches probe into Pegasus spyware claim</a>

The bench noted that the government’s counsel Tushar Mehta submitted that many petitions were self-service, but it cannot accept such omnibus contention.

“Centre should have justified its stand here and not render the court a mute spectator,” the bench noted.

The matter will be taken up again after eight weeks.

The ruling came in response to a batch of 12 petitions which sought an independent probe into the allegations that surfaced in the media about the unauthorised surveillance.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday formed a committee of experts to look into the alleged use of Israeli spyware Pegasus for surveillance of Indian citizens. A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said the three-member committee will be headed by former apex court judge RV Raveendran.

India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday formed a committee of experts to look into the alleged use of Israeli spyware Pegasus for surveillance of Indian citizens. A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said the three-member committee will be headed by former apex court judge RV Raveendran. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had argued in the court that disclosing the details on the use of Pegasus spyware involves national security issues, but it agreed to disclose all information before a committee of technical experts and urged the court to let it appoint the committee. Also read | 121 Indian users targeted in Pegasus spyware attack, full extent may never be known: Whatsapp The top court, in its judgment, said mere raising national security by the state would not stop it from taking up the issue, and emphasized that national security can’t be a bug bear and refused to accept the omnibus denial by the Centre. “Of course, the…Union of India may decline to provide information when constitutional considerations exist, such as those pertaining to the security of the State. However, this does not mean that the State gets a free pass every time the spectre of ‘national security’ is raised,” the SC said. Also read | Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations The bench noted that the government filed a limited affidavit, which didn’t make anything clear despite it repeatedly saying that the court is not concerned with issues of national security. “We live in the era of information. We must recognise that while technology is important, it is important to safeguard the right to privacy,” the SC said, adding, “not only journalists, etc., but privacy is important for all citizens.” Also read | Algeria launches probe into Pegasus spyware claim The bench noted that the government’s counsel Tushar Mehta submitted that many petitions were self-service, but it cannot accept such omnibus contention. “Centre should have justified its stand here and not render the court a mute spectator,” the bench noted. The matter will be taken up again after eight weeks. The ruling came in response to a batch of 12 petitions which sought an independent probe into the allegations that surfaced in the media about the unauthorised surveillance. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s top court forms committee to probe snooping using Israeli spyware Pegasus

The mobile phones of at least five French ministers and a diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron were infected by the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, sources told AFP on Friday, confirming a report by the Mediapart investigative website.

French security services detected the software while inspecting the phones, with the intrusions believed to have taken place in 2019 and 2020, according to the report from Mediapart on Friday.&nbsp;

Pegasus, made by the Israeli firm NSO Group, can switch on a phone's camera or microphone and harvest its data, and was at the centre of a storm in July after a list of about 50,000 potential surveillance targets worldwide was leaked to the media.

The media consortium behind the revelations, including The Washington Post, The Guardian and France's Le Monde, reported at the time that one of Macron's phone numbers and those of many French cabinet ministers were on the leaked list of potential targets.

French authorities declined to comment on Friday.

The five ministers targeted are Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer, Territorial Cohesion Minister Jacqueline Gourault, Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie, Housing Minister Emmanuelle Wargon and Overseas Territories Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Mediapart said.

Two French sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed the veracity of the report, while asking not to be identified by name because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

"My phone is one of those checked out by the national IT systems security agency, but I haven't yet heard anything about the investigation so I cannot comment at this stage," Wargon told the L'Opinion website Friday.

One of her aides told AFP that "the minister doesn't have access to any state secrets, so we can't really see the point of spying on her."

In July, Le Monde reported that evidence of an attempted hacking was found on the phone of the former environment minister and close Macron ally Francois de Rugy, with the attempt allegedly originating in Morocco.

Morocco's intelligence services were also accused of being behind the hacking of journalists in France, but the kingdom's government has denied the claims and launched legal action alleging defamation.&nbsp;

The mobile phones of at least five French ministers and a diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron were infected by the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, sources told AFP on Friday, confirming a report by the Mediapart investigative website.

The mobile phones of at least five French ministers and a diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron were infected by the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, sources told AFP on Friday, confirming a report by the Mediapart investigative website. French security services detected the software while inspecting the phones, with the intrusions believed to have taken place in 2019 and 2020, according to the report from Mediapart on Friday. Pegasus, made by the Israeli firm NSO Group, can switch on a phone's camera or microphone and harvest its data, and was at the centre of a storm in July after a list of about 50,000 potential surveillance targets worldwide was leaked to the media. The media consortium behind the revelations, including The Washington Post, The Guardian and France's Le Monde, reported at the time that one of Macron's phone numbers and those of many French cabinet ministers were on the leaked list of potential targets. French authorities declined to comment on Friday. The five ministers targeted are Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer, Territorial Cohesion Minister Jacqueline Gourault, Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie, Housing Minister Emmanuelle Wargon and Overseas Territories Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Mediapart said. Two French sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed the veracity of the report, while asking not to be identified by name because they were not authorised to speak to the media. "My phone is one of those checked out by the national IT systems security agency, but I haven't yet heard anything about the investigation so I cannot comment at this stage," Wargon told the L'Opinion website Friday. One of her aides told AFP that "the minister doesn't have access to any state secrets, so we can't really see the point of spying on her." In July, Le Monde reported that evidence of an attempted hacking was found on the phone of the former environment minister and close Macron ally Francois de Rugy, with the attempt allegedly originating in Morocco. Morocco's intelligence services were also accused of being behind the hacking of journalists in France, but the kingdom's government has denied the claims and launched legal action alleging defamation.

Five French Ministers targeted by Israel's Pegasus spyware, says report

In a revelation on Tuesday, the federal government said that the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) had bought notorious Pegasus spyware from the Israeli firm NSO in 2019. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a closed-doors session, the government informed the Interior Committee of the Bundestag about the purchase, sources in the parliament said. It confirmed the earlier reports, which were published in German newspaper ‘Die Zeit’, about the matter. &nbsp;

According to ‘Die Zeit’, the software was procured under "the utmost secrecy". The move was taken despite the hesitations of lawyers as the surveillance tool can do much more than German privacy laws permit. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Iran enriches production of highly enriched uranium

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/iran-enriches-production-of-highly-enriched-uranium-411534/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

To prevent abuse, the version purchased by the BKA had certain functions blocked, security circles told the paper. Although it is unclear how that works on a practical level. &nbsp;

The revelations came after a joint research by Die Zeit as well as daily Süddeutsche Zeitung and public broadcasters NDR and WDR. &nbsp;

BKA Vice President Martina Link confirmed to lawmakers that her organisation had purchased the software, said the Süddeutsche Zeitung report. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/opinions/can-biden-save-his-presidency-411654" hreflang="en">Can Biden save his presidency?</a>

In 2020, the police force acquired a version of the Pegasus Trojan virus software, which was being used in select operations, concerning terrorism and organised crime since March this year. &nbsp;

As per Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruling, security services are only permitted to use spyware on the cellphones and computers of surveillance targets in special cases, and can only initiate certain types of operations.&nbsp;

In a revelation on Tuesday, the federal government said that the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) had bought notorious Pegasus spyware from the Israeli firm NSO in 2019.

In a revelation on Tuesday, the federal government said that the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) had bought notorious Pegasus spyware from the Israeli firm NSO in 2019. In a closed-doors session, the government informed the Interior Committee of the Bundestag about the purchase, sources in the parliament said. It confirmed the earlier reports, which were published in German newspaper ‘Die Zeit’, about the matter. According to ‘Die Zeit’, the software was procured under "the utmost secrecy". The move was taken despite the hesitations of lawyers as the surveillance tool can do much more than German privacy laws permit. Watch: Iran enriches production of highly enriched uranium × To prevent abuse, the version purchased by the BKA had certain functions blocked, security circles told the paper. Although it is unclear how that works on a practical level. The revelations came after a joint research by Die Zeit as well as daily Süddeutsche Zeitung and public broadcasters NDR and WDR. BKA Vice President Martina Link confirmed to lawmakers that her organisation had purchased the software, said the Süddeutsche Zeitung report. Also Read: Can Biden save his presidency? In 2020, the police force acquired a version of the Pegasus Trojan virus software, which was being used in select operations, concerning terrorism and organised crime since March this year. As per Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruling, security services are only permitted to use spyware on the cellphones and computers of surveillance targets in special cases, and can only initiate certain types of operations.

NSO's notorious Pegasus spyware secretly bought by police in Germany: Reports

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to "parallel debate" on social media by petitioners who are seeking a court-monitored probe into the reports of the government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on politicians, activists, and journalists.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Surya Kant asked the petitioners to refrain from indulging in parallel debates outside the Court on social media platforms and told them to have faith in the system.

There has to be some discipline when the court is examining the matter, if they have some points to raise, they can do so by filing an affidavit, the Bench told counsels appearing for petitioners in the case.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-africa-show-robust-support-for-indias-maritime-meet-at-unsc-404401">Russia, Africa show robust support for India's maritime meet at UNSC</a>

CJI Ramana said, "This is the message of me and my two brothers. All petitioners are expected to answer the queries of the court through the debate in the court. If they want to say something through social media, Twitter, etc., it is for them. You all have come to the court and you speak through the counsels. We don't want parallel debates. You must have faith in the system. There must be some discipline."

"We asked some questions. There is an adjudication process. Sometimes it may be inconvenient to you. That's how this process is. Both sides have to face the music. If they want to bring something to our notice, you bring it through an affidavit. We expect they answer our queries through a proper debate in court and not outside," he added.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for senior journalists N Ram and Sashi Kumar said he agreed that when a case is going on it should not be discussed outside.

Sibal mentioned that on the last date of hearing the CJI had enquired about a California court case regarding the use of Pegasus to infiltrate WhatsApp, and referred to the trolling of N Ram on Twitter regarding the issue.

It was taken out of context, but debates must not cross the limits, CJI said.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-leads-from-front-china-agrees-to-uns-sea-law-at-unsc-presidential-statement-404396">As India leads from front, China agrees to UN's sea law at UNSC presidential statement</a>

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Central government sought time to file a reply in the case till Friday. The Bench then posted the matter for August 16 to decide whether or not to issue a notice in the petitions seeking probe into the Pegasus snooping issue.

In the earlier hearing, the top court had asked the petitioners to serve a copy of their petitions to the Central government's law officers and it would take up the matter on Tuesday. It said without the Central government present in the hearing, the bench could not proceed as of now.

It had observed that the allegations about the Central government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on people "are serious if news reports are correct".

The apex court, however, asked people who approached the Court why was any criminal complaint not registered by persons affected by the snooping.

There are ten pleas before the top court which were filed by senior journalists N Ram, and Sashi Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas of Communist Marxist Party of India (Marxist) and advocate ML Sharma.

Journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, SNM Abdi, Prem Shankar Jha, Rupesh Kumar Singh, former minister Yashwant Sinha and Ipsa Shatakshi, who are reported to be on the potential list of snoop targets of Pegasus spyware, had also approached the top court along with The Editors Guild of India (EGI) among others. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to "parallel debate" on social media by petitioners who are seeking a court-monitored probe into the reports of the government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on politicians, activists, and journalists.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to "parallel debate" on social media by petitioners who are seeking a court-monitored probe into the reports of the government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on politicians, activists, and journalists. A Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Surya Kant asked the petitioners to refrain from indulging in parallel debates outside the Court on social media platforms and told them to have faith in the system. There has to be some discipline when the court is examining the matter, if they have some points to raise, they can do so by filing an affidavit, the Bench told counsels appearing for petitioners in the case. ALSO READ | Russia, Africa show robust support for India's maritime meet at UNSC CJI Ramana said, "This is the message of me and my two brothers. All petitioners are expected to answer the queries of the court through the debate in the court. If they want to say something through social media, Twitter, etc., it is for them. You all have come to the court and you speak through the counsels. We don't want parallel debates. You must have faith in the system. There must be some discipline." "We asked some questions. There is an adjudication process. Sometimes it may be inconvenient to you. That's how this process is. Both sides have to face the music. If they want to bring something to our notice, you bring it through an affidavit. We expect they answer our queries through a proper debate in court and not outside," he added. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for senior journalists N Ram and Sashi Kumar said he agreed that when a case is going on it should not be discussed outside. Sibal mentioned that on the last date of hearing the CJI had enquired about a California court case regarding the use of Pegasus to infiltrate WhatsApp, and referred to the trolling of N Ram on Twitter regarding the issue. It was taken out of context, but debates must not cross the limits, CJI said. ALSO READ | As India leads from front, China agrees to UN's sea law at UNSC presidential statement During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Central government sought time to file a reply in the case till Friday. The Bench then posted the matter for August 16 to decide whether or not to issue a notice in the petitions seeking probe into the Pegasus snooping issue. In the earlier hearing, the top court had asked the petitioners to serve a copy of their petitions to the Central government's law officers and it would take up the matter on Tuesday. It said without the Central government present in the hearing, the bench could not proceed as of now. It had observed that the allegations about the Central government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on people "are serious if news reports are correct". The apex court, however, asked people who approached the Court why was any criminal complaint not registered by persons affected by the snooping. There are ten pleas before the top court which were filed by senior journalists N Ram, and Sashi Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas of Communist Marxist Party of India (Marxist) and advocate ML Sharma. Journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, SNM Abdi, Prem Shankar Jha, Rupesh Kumar Singh, former minister Yashwant Sinha and Ipsa Shatakshi, who are reported to be on the potential list of snoop targets of Pegasus spyware, had also approached the top court along with The Editors Guild of India (EGI) among others. (ANI)

Pegasus issue: Indian Supreme Court urges petitioners to refrain from parallel debate on social media

Pegasus's list of alleged targets includes at least 600 politicians, 180 journalists, 85 human rights activists and 65 business leaders.

Israel Defence ministry to share initial findings on NSO with France

Terming the recent spying allegations on governments a "global human rights crisis", UK-based human rights NGO Amnesty International, has asked for a moratorium on the sale and use of surveillance technology.

In recent months, allegations of governments using a phone malware 'Pegasus' supplied by an Israeli firm 'NSO' have surfaced.&nbsp;

As a result of the leak of a list of 50,000 potential surveillance targets to human rights groups, a storm has erupted over the NSO Group's Pegasus software.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-national-security-council-looking-into-nso-pegasus-spyware-allegations-399484">Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations</a>

Reportedly, the software is capable of turning on a phone's camera or microphone and harvesting its data.

In a statement on&nbsp;Friday, the NGO warned of "the devastating impact of the poorly regulated spyware industry on human rights worldwide."

In addition to French media nonprofit Forbidden Stories,&nbsp;Amnesty International&nbsp;worked with the Washington Post, the Guardian, and Le Monde to compile the list.&nbsp;

As many as 180 journalists, 600 politicians, 85 human rights activists, and 65 business leaders are listed as alleged targets.

On the list of these alleged targets was French President Emmanuel Macron, who had to change his phone and his contact number.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/frances-macron-changes-phone-in-light-of-pegasus-case-400090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Amnesty's Secretary-General, Agnes Callamard, said in the statement that the exposure of the risk to the individuals unlawfully targeted is in addition to the very destabilizing implications for the future of human rights globally and for the digital environment in general.

Talking about the surveillance industry she added that the Israeli group NSO "is just one company," and that&nbsp;"this is a dangerous industry that has operated on the edges of legality for too long, and this cannot be allowed to continue,".

Calling for Greater regulation over the cyber-surveillance industry,&nbsp;accountability for abuses and violations of human rights,&nbsp;Amnesty called for an immediate moratorium on any export, sale, transfer and use of surveillance technology "until there is a human rights-compliant regulatory framework in place."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pegasus-saga-investigations-begin-400235/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Callamard says that the fact that world leaders and other political leaders may be at risk from spyware technology will hopefully serve as a wake-up call for politicians and policymakers alike to regulate this industry.

NSO, which exports to 45 countries with Israeli government approval, claims its software is only used for counterterrorism and&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;other crimes.

Terming the recent spying allegations on governments a "global human rights crisis", UK-based human rights NGO Amnesty International, has asked for a moratorium on the sale and use of surveillance technology.

Terming the recent spying allegations on governments a "global human rights crisis", UK-based human rights NGO Amnesty International, has asked for a moratorium on the sale and use of surveillance technology. In recent months, allegations of governments using a phone malware 'Pegasus' supplied by an Israeli firm 'NSO' have surfaced. As a result of the leak of a list of 50,000 potential surveillance targets to human rights groups, a storm has erupted over the NSO Group's Pegasus software. Also read | Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations Reportedly, the software is capable of turning on a phone's camera or microphone and harvesting its data. In a statement on Friday, the NGO warned of "the devastating impact of the poorly regulated spyware industry on human rights worldwide." In addition to French media nonprofit Forbidden Stories, Amnesty International worked with the Washington Post, the Guardian, and Le Monde to compile the list. As many as 180 journalists, 600 politicians, 85 human rights activists, and 65 business leaders are listed as alleged targets. On the list of these alleged targets was French President Emmanuel Macron, who had to change his phone and his contact number. Amnesty's Secretary-General, Agnes Callamard, said in the statement that the exposure of the risk to the individuals unlawfully targeted is in addition to the very destabilizing implications for the future of human rights globally and for the digital environment in general. Talking about the surveillance industry she added that the Israeli group NSO "is just one company," and that "this is a dangerous industry that has operated on the edges of legality for too long, and this cannot be allowed to continue,". Calling for Greater regulation over the cyber-surveillance industry, accountability for abuses and violations of human rights, Amnesty called for an immediate moratorium on any export, sale, transfer and use of surveillance technology "until there is a human rights-compliant regulatory framework in place." Callamard says that the fact that world leaders and other political leaders may be at risk from spyware technology will hopefully serve as a wake-up call for politicians and policymakers alike to regulate this industry. NSO, which exports to 45 countries with Israeli government approval, claims its software is only used for counterterrorism and fighting other crimes.

Pegasus scandal: Amnesty International calls for moratorium on surveillance technology

Algeria on Thursday expressed "deep concern" following press reports that it may have been the target of the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware as it launched a probe.

The foreign ministry denounced what it termed an &nbsp;"inadmissible, systematic attack on human rights and fundamental freedoms" and singled out neighbouring Morocco for "spying on Algerian officials and citizens".

Morocco and Algeria have repeatedly sparred over the disputed region of Western Sahara, which Morocco considers an integral part of its territory while Algeria backs the pro-independence Polisario movement.

Relations between the two neighbours soured again on Sunday after Algeria recalled its ambassador in Morocco for consultations after Morocco's envoy to the United Nations expressed support for self-determination for Algeria's restless Kabylie region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-pegasus-row-afghanistan-taliban-tokyo-olympics-and-more-399600">Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Morning News Brief: Pegasus row, Afghanistan-Taliban, Tokyo Olympics and more</a>

News outlets, including Le Monde and the Washington Post, had reported on Sunday that the software, developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, had been used by governments to spy on activists, journalists, lawyers and politicians around the world.

The bombshell claims were based on a document leaked to Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit, and Amnesty International.

It contained 50,000 telephone numbers of people identified as potential targets via Pegasus between 2016 and June 2021.&nbsp;

Many numbers on the list were clustered in 10 countries including Morocco.

Morocco said on Monday it "categorically rejects" claims its intelligence services used Pegasus to monitor critics at home and abroad.

It also filed a defamation claim against Amnesty International and the French NGO, due to allegations its intelligence services used Pegasus against dozens of French journalists.

Algeria on Thursday expressed "deep concern" following press reports that it may have been the target of the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware as it launched a probe.

Algeria on Thursday expressed "deep concern" following press reports that it may have been the target of the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware as it launched a probe. The foreign ministry denounced what it termed an "inadmissible, systematic attack on human rights and fundamental freedoms" and singled out neighbouring Morocco for "spying on Algerian officials and citizens". Morocco and Algeria have repeatedly sparred over the disputed region of Western Sahara, which Morocco considers an integral part of its territory while Algeria backs the pro-independence Polisario movement. Relations between the two neighbours soured again on Sunday after Algeria recalled its ambassador in Morocco for consultations after Morocco's envoy to the United Nations expressed support for self-determination for Algeria's restless Kabylie region. Also read | Morning News Brief: Pegasus row, Afghanistan-Taliban, Tokyo Olympics and more News outlets, including Le Monde and the Washington Post, had reported on Sunday that the software, developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, had been used by governments to spy on activists, journalists, lawyers and politicians around the world. The bombshell claims were based on a document leaked to Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit, and Amnesty International. It contained 50,000 telephone numbers of people identified as potential targets via Pegasus between 2016 and June 2021. Many numbers on the list were clustered in 10 countries including Morocco. Morocco said on Monday it "categorically rejects" claims its intelligence services used Pegasus to monitor critics at home and abroad. It also filed a defamation claim against Amnesty International and the French NGO, due to allegations its intelligence services used Pegasus against dozens of French journalists.

Algeria launches probe into Pegasus spyware claim

Emmanuel Macron is one of a number of world leaders named in a recent leak of 50,000 contacts alleged to have been Pegasus targets, including the prime ministers of Pakistan, Egypt and Morocco and the presidents of Iraq and South Africa.

France's Macron changes phone in light of Pegasus case

An official at Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group said Wednesday that the firm's controversial Pegasus spyware tool was not used to target French President Emmanuel Macron.

The comments came as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urged Israel to suspend exports of the spying technology after heads of state -- including Macron -- and scores of journalists and rights activists featured on a list of alleged targets selected for potential surveillance.

We can "specifically come out and say for sure that the president of France, Macron, was not a target," Chaim Gelfand, chief compliance officer at NSO Group, told the i24 News television network.

But he also alluded to "some cases brought up that we are not so comfortable with", noting that in such circumstances the firm "usually approaches the customer and has a whole long discussion... to try to understand what were his legitimate reasons, if any, to use the system."

Gelfand's comments were broadcast on the same day that RSF head Christophe Deloire called on Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett "to impose an immediate moratorium on surveillance technology exports, until a protective regulatory framework has been established".

Deloire's call came after a list was leaked of some 50,000 phone numbers believed to have been chosen by clients of NSO Group. The numbers purportedly included those of Macron, and 13 other heads of state.

Pegasus can hack into mobile phones without a user knowing, enabling clients to read every message, track a user's location and tap into the phone's camera and microphone.

Contracts with 45 countries

NSO has contracts with 45 countries, and says Israel's defence ministry must approve its deals. The company does not identify its customers.

However, rights group Amnesty International and the Paris-based organisation Forbidden Stories that obtained the list, said NSO's government clients include Bahrain, India, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia.

Reporting by media outlets including The Guardian, Le Monde and The Washington Post found that nearly 200 journalists from organisations including AFP were on the list.

"Enabling governments to install spyware that is used in practice to monitor hundreds of journalists and their sources throughout the world poses a major democratic problem," Deloire said.

Spokespeople for Bennett and Defence Minister Benny Gantz did not respond to questions from AFP on Wednesday.

NSO, a giant of Israeli tech, is based in Herzliya north of Tel Aviv, and has 850 employees.

Its CEO Shalev Hulio, 39, denied in an interview with Israel's 103FM radio on Tuesday that his company was engaged in mass surveillance.

He said NSO had "no connection" to the list of thousands of phone numbers.

On Wednesday, Bennett touted Israeli technological prowess at a cyber conference in Tel Aviv.

"Of every $100 invested in cyber defence across the world, $41 of those were invested in Israeli cyber defence firms," he said.

"We as a government, we as a nation, have to defend ourselves," Bennett added.

He suggested global interest in Israeli technology remained robust, saying "dozens of countries" signed memorandums to obtain Israeli tools that defend against cyber attacks.

A further statement on Wednesday by NSO claimed that the firm was a victim of a "vicious and slanderous campaign", and that it would no longer respond to media questions.

"Any claim that a name in the list is necessarily related to a Pegasus target or Pegasus potential target is erroneous and false," it said.

"NSO is a technology company. We do not operate the system, nor do we have access to the data of our customers, yet they are obligated to provide us with such information under investigations," the company added.

On Tuesday, Gantz said Israel approves export of technology only to governments "exclusively for the purposes of preventing and investigating crime and terrorism".

He said Israel is "studying" recent publications on the subject.

An official at Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group said Wednesday that the firm's controversial Pegasus spyware tool was not used to target French President Emmanuel Macron.

An official at Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group said Wednesday that the firm's controversial Pegasus spyware tool was not used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. The comments came as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urged Israel to suspend exports of the spying technology after heads of state -- including Macron -- and scores of journalists and rights activists featured on a list of alleged targets selected for potential surveillance. We can "specifically come out and say for sure that the president of France, Macron, was not a target," Chaim Gelfand, chief compliance officer at NSO Group, told the i24 News television network. But he also alluded to "some cases brought up that we are not so comfortable with", noting that in such circumstances the firm "usually approaches the customer and has a whole long discussion... to try to understand what were his legitimate reasons, if any, to use the system." Gelfand's comments were broadcast on the same day that RSF head Christophe Deloire called on Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett "to impose an immediate moratorium on surveillance technology exports, until a protective regulatory framework has been established". Deloire's call came after a list was leaked of some 50,000 phone numbers believed to have been chosen by clients of NSO Group. The numbers purportedly included those of Macron, and 13 other heads of state. Pegasus can hack into mobile phones without a user knowing, enabling clients to read every message, track a user's location and tap into the phone's camera and microphone. Contracts with 45 countries NSO has contracts with 45 countries, and says Israel's defence ministry must approve its deals. The company does not identify its customers. However, rights group Amnesty International and the Paris-based organisation Forbidden Stories that obtained the list, said NSO's government clients include Bahrain, India, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. Reporting by media outlets including The Guardian, Le Monde and The Washington Post found that nearly 200 journalists from organisations including AFP were on the list. "Enabling governments to install spyware that is used in practice to monitor hundreds of journalists and their sources throughout the world poses a major democratic problem," Deloire said. Spokespeople for Bennett and Defence Minister Benny Gantz did not respond to questions from AFP on Wednesday. NSO, a giant of Israeli tech, is based in Herzliya north of Tel Aviv, and has 850 employees. Its CEO Shalev Hulio, 39, denied in an interview with Israel's 103FM radio on Tuesday that his company was engaged in mass surveillance. He said NSO had "no connection" to the list of thousands of phone numbers. On Wednesday, Bennett touted Israeli technological prowess at a cyber conference in Tel Aviv. "Of every $100 invested in cyber defence across the world, $41 of those were invested in Israeli cyber defence firms," he said. "We as a government, we as a nation, have to defend ourselves," Bennett added. He suggested global interest in Israeli technology remained robust, saying "dozens of countries" signed memorandums to obtain Israeli tools that defend against cyber attacks. A further statement on Wednesday by NSO claimed that the firm was a victim of a "vicious and slanderous campaign", and that it would no longer respond to media questions. "Any claim that a name in the list is necessarily related to a Pegasus target or Pegasus potential target is erroneous and false," it said. "NSO is a technology company. We do not operate the system, nor do we have access to the data of our customers, yet they are obligated to provide us with such information under investigations," the company added. On Tuesday, Gantz said Israel approves export of technology only to governments "exclusively for the purposes of preventing and investigating crime and terrorism". He said Israel is "studying" recent publications on the subject.

French President Macron 'was not a target' of spyware, says Pegasus maker NSO 

According to sources Israel has set up a senior inter-ministerial team to look into allegations that spyware sold by NSO has been abused on a global scale. The team is headed by Israel's National Security Council which has broader areas of expertise than the defense ministry.

Reports: Israel sets up inter-ministerial panel to probe Pegasus snooping allegations

Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday reiterated that the media report about the use of Pegasus spyware is a carefully-timed attempt to malign the Indian democracy.

IT Minister reiterates media report attempted to malign Indian democracy

The disclosure that the phones of over 300 people in India were allegedly targeted using spyware Pegasus, supplied by an Israeli company NSO Group, has raised many serious ethical, political and legal questions.

WION visits NSO headquarters in Herzliya, Tel Aviv

Morocco has said that it "categorically rejects and condemns these unfounded and false allegations", adding that it was "erroneous" and "false" to say the country had infiltrated the phones of national or foreign public figures, the report said.

Why would Morocco spy on French President?

Israel has set up a senior inter-ministerial team to "look into" proliferating allegations that spyware sold by a Israeli cyber firm has been abused on a global scale, an Israeli source said on Wednesday, while adding that an export review was unlikely.

The team is headed by Israel's National Security Council, which answers to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and has broader areas of expertise than the Defence Ministry, which oversees exports of NSO Group's Pegasus software, the source said.

"This event is beyond the Defence Ministry purview," the source said, referring to potential diplomatic blowback after prominent media reports this week of suspected abuses of Pegasus in France, Mexico, India, Morocco and Iraq.

On Wednesday, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said French President Emmanuel Macron had called for a series of investigations to be carried out into the Pegasus spyware case.

The phone of Macron was on a list of potential targets for possible surveillance on behalf of Morocco in the Pegasus case, reported French paper Le Monde on Tuesday.

The source, who has first-hand knowledge of the Israeli team and requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, deemed it "doubtful" that new curbs would be placed on Pegasus exports.

Stopping short of describing the team's task as a formal investigation, the source said: "The objective is to find out what happened, to look into this issue and learn lessons."

NSO did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bennett's office declined comment. Addressing a cyber conference on Wednesday, the prime minister did not mention the NSO affair.

A global investigation published on Sunday by 17 media organisations, led by the Paris-based non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories, said Pegasus had been used in attempted and successful hacks of smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists.

NSO has rejected the reporting by the media partners, saying it was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Pegasus is intended for use only by government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism and crime, NSO said.

Such purposes are also what guide Israel's export policy, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said in a speech on Tuesday. But, in a reference to the allegations around Pegasus, he added: "We are currently studying the information published on the matter."

At the conference, Bennett said Israel has memorandums of understanding with dozens of countries about cyber security, which he wants to upgrade into a "global cyber defence shield".

Israel has set up a senior inter-ministerial team to "look into" proliferating allegations that spyware sold by a Israeli cyber firm has been abused on a global scale, an Israeli source said on Wednesday, while adding that an export review was unlikely.

Israel has set up a senior inter-ministerial team to "look into" proliferating allegations that spyware sold by a Israeli cyber firm has been abused on a global scale, an Israeli source said on Wednesday, while adding that an export review was unlikely. The team is headed by Israel's National Security Council, which answers to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and has broader areas of expertise than the Defence Ministry, which oversees exports of NSO Group's Pegasus software, the source said. "This event is beyond the Defence Ministry purview," the source said, referring to potential diplomatic blowback after prominent media reports this week of suspected abuses of Pegasus in France, Mexico, India, Morocco and Iraq. On Wednesday, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said French President Emmanuel Macron had called for a series of investigations to be carried out into the Pegasus spyware case. The phone of Macron was on a list of potential targets for possible surveillance on behalf of Morocco in the Pegasus case, reported French paper Le Monde on Tuesday. The source, who has first-hand knowledge of the Israeli team and requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, deemed it "doubtful" that new curbs would be placed on Pegasus exports. Stopping short of describing the team's task as a formal investigation, the source said: "The objective is to find out what happened, to look into this issue and learn lessons." NSO did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bennett's office declined comment. Addressing a cyber conference on Wednesday, the prime minister did not mention the NSO affair. A global investigation published on Sunday by 17 media organisations, led by the Paris-based non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories, said Pegasus had been used in attempted and successful hacks of smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists. NSO has rejected the reporting by the media partners, saying it was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Pegasus is intended for use only by government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism and crime, NSO said. Such purposes are also what guide Israel's export policy, Defence Minister Benny Gantz said in a speech on Tuesday. But, in a reference to the allegations around Pegasus, he added: "We are currently studying the information published on the matter." At the conference, Bennett said Israel has memorandums of understanding with dozens of countries about cyber security, which he wants to upgrade into a "global cyber defence shield".

Israel's National Security Council 'looking into' NSO Pegasus spyware allegations

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology will question officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on July 28 in connection with reports about the illegal surveillance using Pegasus spyware.

Pegasus row: Shashi Tharoor urges probe on matter of 'National Security'

Pegasus row: Parliament panel to hold meeting on data security on July 28

French President Emmanuel Macron's phone was targeted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-denies-using-pegasus-spyware-399109">Pegasus</a> spyware, the NGO that leaked the list of numbers claimed on Tuesday.

Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit allegedly had access to the leaked numbers. The NGO said members of Macron's cabinet were also targeted.

Reports said former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and 14 ministers were also under surveillance.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explainer-what-is-pegasus-spyware-how-does-it-hack-into-your-phone-to-spy-on-you-399205/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Pegasus spyware&nbsp;is licensed by&nbsp;an Israeli company NSO. The organization had earlier issued a statement saying the reports were "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories".

Macron's office said: "If this fact is established, it's obviously very serious."

NSO had allegedly hacked smartphones of journalists, government officials and human rights activists worldwide with 50,000 phone numbers believed to be under surveillance.

Meanwhile, French prosecutors opened investigations into allegations that Moroccan intelligence services used Pegasus to spy on the country's journalists.

Investigative website Mediapart had filed a legal complaint on Monday over the spying claims. However, Morocco said it "never acquired computer software to infiltrate communication devices."

French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said the government was "extremely attached to press freedom".

News website Aristegui Noticias had alleged that the Mexican president's wife and children were targets of the Israeli spyware including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, cabinet ministers and other officials.

(With inputs from Agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron's phone was targeted by Pegasus spyware, the NGO that leaked the list of numbers claimed on Tuesday. Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit allegedly had access to the leaked numbers.

French President Emmanuel Macron's phone was targeted by Pegasus spyware, the NGO that leaked the list of numbers claimed on Tuesday. Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit allegedly had access to the leaked numbers. The NGO said members of Macron's cabinet were also targeted. Reports said former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and 14 ministers were also under surveillance. Watch: The Pegasus spyware is licensed by an Israeli company NSO. The organization had earlier issued a statement saying the reports were "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Macron's office said: "If this fact is established, it's obviously very serious." NSO had allegedly hacked smartphones of journalists, government officials and human rights activists worldwide with 50,000 phone numbers believed to be under surveillance. Meanwhile, French prosecutors opened investigations into allegations that Moroccan intelligence services used Pegasus to spy on the country's journalists. Investigative website Mediapart had filed a legal complaint on Monday over the spying claims. However, Morocco said it "never acquired computer software to infiltrate communication devices." French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said the government was "extremely attached to press freedom". News website Aristegui Noticias had alleged that the Mexican president's wife and children were targets of the Israeli spyware including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, cabinet ministers and other officials. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pegasus spyware targeted French President Macron: Report

The Pegasus spyware is again at the centre of a major controversy. On Sunday, July 18, it was widely reported that documents acquired and evaluated by a international media collaboration showed a list of phone numbers that are claimed to have been potentially targeted for surveillance by an unidentified agency using the Pegasus spyware. It is reported that over 40 journalists in India were targeted alongside a few other public figures like politicians and activists. While this is a developing story, it is paramount to understand the software, its history and how it can hack into your smartphone to completely compromise your information.

Explainer: What is Pegasus spyware? How does it hack into your phone to spy on you?

Hungary denied media reports on Monday that it used secret software to infiltrate the smartphones of investigative journalists and other public figures.

"The government has no knowledge of this type of data collection," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told a press conference, adding that Hungary's civilian intelligence agency did not use the Pegasus software "in any way".&nbsp;

Media reports on Sunday claimed governments in several countries around the world had used spyware technology developed by Israel-based NSO Group to infiltrate the smartphones of potentially tens of thousands of people.

Hungary was the only EU country named on a list of leaked telephone numbers.

According to the reports, phones monitored in Hungary included those of two investigative journalists, the owner of a news site critical of the government, an opposition mayor and several lawyers.

Janos Stummer of the opposition Jobbik party, who serves as head of the parliamentary National Security Committee, demanded "consequences".

Stummer sought to convene the committee to question intelligence chiefs, and Szijjarto said the secret service head would attend the meeting if called.

The committee's vice-president Janos Halasz, a member of Orban's ruling Fidesz that has a majority on the committee, said however that the body did not need to meet.

The "left-wing" press reports were "unfounded", said Halasz.

The National Association of Hungarian Journalists (MUOSZ) said it was "shocked" by the revelations.

"If this is the case, it is unacceptable, outrageous and illegal, full information must be disclosed to the public immediately," the association said in a statement.

The reports "bring shame to the country", said Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony, who hopes to run against Orban at a general election next year.

Hungary denied media reports on Monday that it used secret software to infiltrate the smartphones of investigative journalists and other public figures. "The government has no knowledge of this type of data collection," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told a press conference, adding that Hungary's civilian intelligence agency did not use the Pegasus software "in any way".

Hungary denied media reports on Monday that it used secret software to infiltrate the smartphones of investigative journalists and other public figures. "The government has no knowledge of this type of data collection," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told a press conference, adding that Hungary's civilian intelligence agency did not use the Pegasus software "in any way". Media reports on Sunday claimed governments in several countries around the world had used spyware technology developed by Israel-based NSO Group to infiltrate the smartphones of potentially tens of thousands of people. Hungary was the only EU country named on a list of leaked telephone numbers. According to the reports, phones monitored in Hungary included those of two investigative journalists, the owner of a news site critical of the government, an opposition mayor and several lawyers. Janos Stummer of the opposition Jobbik party, who serves as head of the parliamentary National Security Committee, demanded "consequences". Stummer sought to convene the committee to question intelligence chiefs, and Szijjarto said the secret service head would attend the meeting if called. The committee's vice-president Janos Halasz, a member of Orban's ruling Fidesz that has a majority on the committee, said however that the body did not need to meet. The "left-wing" press reports were "unfounded", said Halasz. The National Association of Hungarian Journalists (MUOSZ) said it was "shocked" by the revelations. "If this is the case, it is unacceptable, outrageous and illegal, full information must be disclosed to the public immediately," the association said in a statement. The reports "bring shame to the country", said Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony, who hopes to run against Orban at a general election next year.

Hungary denies using Pegasus spyware

Israel's technology firm NSO has been accused of using its cyber spyware Pegasus to surveil journalists globally. The latest findings are part of a global investigation called the Pegasus project.

Israel's NSO accused of using Pegasus for spying

WION's West Asia bureau chief Daniele Pagani tracked down the NSO headquarters which had moved out of its original building to an undisclosed building complex in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Exclusive: WION tracks down new NSO headquarters in Tel Aviv

WhatsApp has sued&nbsp;Israeli cyber surveillance company NSO Group, accusing it of hacking the phones of 1400 people including senior government officials, human rights activists and journalists.

In new court filings, the messaging company alleged that&nbsp;Israeli spyware company used US-based servers to hack&nbsp;more than a dozen Indian journalists and Rwandan dissidents and therefore, bears responsibility in serious human rights violations.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nso-snoop-row-how-pegasus-broke-into-whatsapp-260055">Explainer: NSO spygate row - How Pegasus broke into WhatsApp</a>

WhatsApp has said victims of the hack received phone calls using its messaging app, and were infected with Pegasus.&nbsp;

In the lawsuit,&nbsp;it&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;more technical details about how the hacking software, Pegasus, which is allegedly deployed against targets.

According to WhatsApp’s filing, NSO gained ''unauthorized access” to its servers by reverse-engineering the messaging app and then evading the company’s security features that prevent manipulation of the company’s call features.''

Watch: The WhatsApp hack — What is the Pegasus?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-whatsapp-hack-what-is-the-pegasus-259352/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''It used a network of computers to monitor and update Pegasus after it was implanted on users’ devices. These NSO-controlled computers served as the nerve centre through which NSO controlled its customers’ operation and use of Pegasus.''

It is demanding a permanent injunction blocking NSO from attempting to access its computer systems and those of its parent company, Facebook.

NSO Group has been claiming that its spyware is purchased by government clients for the purpose of tracking down terrorists and other criminals and that it had no independent knowledge of how those clients, which in the past have reportedly included Saudi Arabia and Mexico, use its hacking software.

WhatsApp has sued Israeli cyber surveillance company NSO Group, accusing it of hacking the phones of 1400 people including senior government officials, human rights activists and journalists.

WhatsApp has sued Israeli cyber surveillance company NSO Group, accusing it of hacking the phones of 1400 people including senior government officials, human rights activists and journalists. In new court filings, the messaging company alleged that Israeli spyware company used US-based servers to hack more than a dozen Indian journalists and Rwandan dissidents and therefore, bears responsibility in serious human rights violations. Also read: Explainer: NSO spygate row - How Pegasus broke into WhatsApp WhatsApp has said victims of the hack received phone calls using its messaging app, and were infected with Pegasus. In the lawsuit, it revealed more technical details about how the hacking software, Pegasus, which is allegedly deployed against targets. According to WhatsApp’s filing, NSO gained ''unauthorized access” to its servers by reverse-engineering the messaging app and then evading the company’s security features that prevent manipulation of the company’s call features.'' Watch: The WhatsApp hack — What is the Pegasus? ''It used a network of computers to monitor and update Pegasus after it was implanted on users’ devices. These NSO-controlled computers served as the nerve centre through which NSO controlled its customers’ operation and use of Pegasus.'' It is demanding a permanent injunction blocking NSO from attempting to access its computer systems and those of its parent company, Facebook. NSO Group has been claiming that its spyware is purchased by government clients for the purpose of tracking down terrorists and other criminals and that it had no independent knowledge of how those clients, which in the past have reportedly included Saudi Arabia and Mexico, use its hacking software.

WhatsApp sues Israeli firm over 'deep involvement' in hacking phones

WhatsApp Snoopgate: WION finds new 'Hideout' of the NSO group. Watch video to know more.

WhatsApp Snoopgate: WION finds new 'Hideout' of the NSO group

pegasus

Pegasus, News on Pegasus, stories on Pegasus, articles on Pegasus, Pegasus stories at Wion, Pegasus news, Pegasus latest news