The Ministry of Home Affairs has given sanction to prosecute Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the Feedback Unit snooping case. The decision came after Sisodia comes under the radar of the CBI in the liquor policy case. The snooping allegations against Sisodia have been reportedly brought by the CBI in a report which claimed that after coming to power in Delhi in 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party formed a feedback unit for political intelligence gathering.&nbsp;

Deputy CM Sisodia took to his Twitter to react to the latest development in this case, “Making false cases against your rivals is a sign of a weak and cowardly person. As the Aam Aadmi Party grows, many more cases will be filed against us.” The Delhi government as well as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called the allegations against Sisodia “completely bogus”.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-proven-itself-as-an-exceptional-international-power-eam-jaishankar-564536">India has proven itself as an 'exceptional international power':&nbsp;EAM&nbsp;Jaishankar</a>

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena gave his approval to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s request for prosecution sanction and forwarded the same to MHA after the agency sought sanction to register an FIR against Sisodia. The MHA letter sanctioning Sisodia’s prosecution came on February 17.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Delhi snooping case?&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

In a probe by CBI, it was found that the AAP government in Delhi allegedly indulged in political snooping soon after it came to power in 2015. In CBI reports, they mentioned that the ‘snooping’ was being conducted by the government’s ‘Feedback Unit’ (FBU). &nbsp;CBI found that the AAP government allegedly snooped on all departments of the government as well as political entities through FBU. The probe was initiated on the complaint by an official. The Central agency had registered the preliminary inquiry on a reference from the

Delhi government's vigilance department, which had detected irregularities in the FBU. 
The probe agency had requested the Delhi L-G for further probe into the matter. The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory then requested the President for permission for further action.&nbsp;

<h2>Delhi government denies all allegations</h2>

The Delhi government and Deputy CM Sisodia have dismissed charges and said that the ruling party, BJP allegations are ‘completely false’. &nbsp;The Kejriwal government also claimed in a statement that all these cases are “politically motivated”.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;FLOTUS appreciates Delhi govt's 'Happiness Curriculum'

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“Till now, CBI, ED (Enforcement Directorate) and Delhi Police have registered 163 cases against us. However, BJP has not been able to prove even a single case. About 134 of these cases have been dismissed by the courts and in the rest of the cases also, the BJP-led Centre has not been able to provide any evidence. These cases are politically motivated," the Delhi government earlier said refuting the charges.

Sisodia heads the Vigilance department of the Delhi Government, under which, in 2015 the unit was allegedly surreptitiously created as an ‘Extra Constitutional-Extra Judicial Intelligence Agency”. In March 2017, the Vigilance department had given the probe to Anti Corruption Branch (ACB). Subsequently, the LG office marked it to the CBI and the preliminary inquiry into the said matter was completed in 2021.&nbsp;

Though Sisodia claims that the aim of the FBU was to strengthen the vigilance establishments and gather feedback on the working of various government departments, autonomous bodies, or institutions.&nbsp;

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The Ministry of Home Affairs has given sanction to prosecute Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the Feedback Unit snooping case.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has given sanction to prosecute Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the Feedback Unit snooping case. The decision came after Sisodia comes under the radar of the CBI in the liquor policy case. The snooping allegations against Sisodia have been reportedly brought by the CBI in a report which claimed that after coming to power in Delhi in 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party formed a feedback unit for political intelligence gathering. Deputy CM Sisodia took to his Twitter to react to the latest development in this case, “Making false cases against your rivals is a sign of a weak and cowardly person. As the Aam Aadmi Party grows, many more cases will be filed against us.” The Delhi government as well as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called the allegations against Sisodia “completely bogus”. Also Read | India has proven itself as an 'exceptional international power': EAM Jaishankar Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena gave his approval to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s request for prosecution sanction and forwarded the same to MHA after the agency sought sanction to register an FIR against Sisodia. The MHA letter sanctioning Sisodia’s prosecution came on February 17. What is Delhi snooping case? In a probe by CBI, it was found that the AAP government in Delhi allegedly indulged in political snooping soon after it came to power in 2015. In CBI reports, they mentioned that the ‘snooping’ was being conducted by the government’s ‘Feedback Unit’ (FBU). CBI found that the AAP government allegedly snooped on all departments of the government as well as political entities through FBU. The probe was initiated on the complaint by an official. The Central agency had registered the preliminary inquiry on a reference from the Delhi government's vigilance department, which had detected irregularities in the FBU. The probe agency had requested the Delhi L-G for further probe into the matter. The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory then requested the President for permission for further action. Delhi government denies all allegations The Delhi government and Deputy CM Sisodia have dismissed charges and said that the ruling party, BJP allegations are ‘completely false’. The Kejriwal government also claimed in a statement that all these cases are “politically motivated”. Watch | FLOTUS appreciates Delhi govt's 'Happiness Curriculum' × “Till now, CBI, ED (Enforcement Directorate) and Delhi Police have registered 163 cases against us. However, BJP has not been able to prove even a single case. About 134 of these cases have been dismissed by the courts and in the rest of the cases also, the BJP-led Centre has not been able to provide any evidence. These cases are politically motivated," the Delhi government earlier said refuting the charges. Sisodia heads the Vigilance department of the Delhi Government, under which, in 2015 the unit was allegedly surreptitiously created as an ‘Extra Constitutional-Extra Judicial Intelligence Agency”. In March 2017, the Vigilance department had given the probe to Anti Corruption Branch (ACB). Subsequently, the LG office marked it to the CBI and the preliminary inquiry into the said matter was completed in 2021. Though Sisodia claims that the aim of the FBU was to strengthen the vigilance establishments and gather feedback on the working of various government departments, autonomous bodies, or institutions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

MHA grants prosecution sanction to CBI against Deputy CM Manish Sisodia- What's Feedback Unit snooping case?

Casting aside initial aspersions over the Chinese balloons that were shot down by US jets over suspicion of spying on American military sites, the White House on Tuesday said its intelligence officials believe that the balloons were being flown for “benign or commercial” use.

Briefing reporters, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that the assessment of the intelligence officials is preliminary and added that the US is yet to determine the origin of the three objects.

Kirby said that more would be known once the debris is collected, but added that the parts are in hard-to-reach areas —two in the frozen north and one in Lake Huron. He further said that retrieving the debris was proving difficult.

“The intelligence community is considering as a leading explanation that these could just be balloons tied to some commercial or benign purpose,” Kirby said.

He said that efforts to retrieve the debris have been hampered due to “pretty tough conditions,” exacerbated by the geographic challenges on Lake Huron, in the Yukon wilderness and on sea ice north of Alaska.

“Pretty tough weather conditions, let alone just geographically, just tough time of year,” Kirby said.

He further said that there was no indication they were connected to China’s spy balloon program, on the bias of which the US jets were scrambled to take action earlier this month.

<h2>Chinese spy balloon row: Deputy Secretary of the state hits out at China</h2>

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<h2>US senators briefed on spy balloon</h2>

Meanwhile, US senators, who were given a classified briefing on balloons on Capitol Hill, said they were reassured that the flying objects posed no threat to the American people.

“There are a lot of these things that are up in the air from time to time, some commercial, some government and maybe there are some things we don’t know,” said Republican’s Utah Senator Mitt Romney, reports CNN.

He added that he wasn’t worried “in the slightest” that the objects themselves threaten the American people.

The reaction from the US seeks to put rest to the ongoing claims about the origins of the balloons.

Administration officials have increasingly cast doubt on their ability to fully recover debris from the objects, given tough conditions where they landed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Casting aside initial aspersions over the Chinese balloons that were shot down by US jets over suspicion of spying on American military sites, the White House on Tuesday said its intelligence officials believe that the balloons were being flown for “benign or commercial” use.

Casting aside initial aspersions over the Chinese balloons that were shot down by US jets over suspicion of spying on American military sites, the White House on Tuesday said its intelligence officials believe that the balloons were being flown for “benign or commercial” use. Briefing reporters, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that the assessment of the intelligence officials is preliminary and added that the US is yet to determine the origin of the three objects. Kirby said that more would be known once the debris is collected, but added that the parts are in hard-to-reach areas —two in the frozen north and one in Lake Huron. He further said that retrieving the debris was proving difficult. “The intelligence community is considering as a leading explanation that these could just be balloons tied to some commercial or benign purpose,” Kirby said. He said that efforts to retrieve the debris have been hampered due to “pretty tough conditions,” exacerbated by the geographic challenges on Lake Huron, in the Yukon wilderness and on sea ice north of Alaska. “Pretty tough weather conditions, let alone just geographically, just tough time of year,” Kirby said. He further said that there was no indication they were connected to China’s spy balloon program, on the bias of which the US jets were scrambled to take action earlier this month. Chinese spy balloon row: Deputy Secretary of the state hits out at China US senators briefed on spy balloon Meanwhile, US senators, who were given a classified briefing on balloons on Capitol Hill, said they were reassured that the flying objects posed no threat to the American people. “There are a lot of these things that are up in the air from time to time, some commercial, some government and maybe there are some things we don’t know,” said Republican’s Utah Senator Mitt Romney, reports CNN. He added that he wasn’t worried “in the slightest” that the objects themselves threaten the American people. The reaction from the US seeks to put rest to the ongoing claims about the origins of the balloons. Administration officials have increasingly cast doubt on their ability to fully recover debris from the objects, given tough conditions where they landed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

No conclusive evidence to prove Chinese balloons were used for spying, says White House

In a new report, Twitter has accused global governments of asking the San-Francisco-based social media company to snoop on private details of user accounts at an alarming rate.

The tech titan revealed that it fielded nearly 60,000 legal demands during a six-month period last year asking the company to remove content.

Yoel Roth, the head of safety and integrity at Twitter, said in a conversation broadcast on the site, ''We're seeing governments become more aggressive in how they try to use legal tactics to unmask the people using our service, collect information about account owners and also using legal demands as a way to try and silence people.''

Accounting for 20 per cent of the requests, the United States makes up the majority of demands for account information as per the company.

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Making the most requests of Twitter to take down content from accounts, Japan is also a frequent requestor for account information.

During the last half of 2021, Twitter reported a huge spike in requests from governments that targeted verified journalists and news outlets.

Indicating a 103 per cent increase, governments also made a record number of legal demands on 349 accounts of verified journalists or news outlets around the globe between July and December of last year.

Complying fully with roughly 40 per cent of all asks for information on user accounts, Twitter did not provide a breakdown of which countries made those requests on journalists' accounts.

Twitter is not the only social media platform that faced this issue. Previously, Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms had also reported an increase in government asks for private user data during the same timeframe.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

In a new report, Twitter has accused global governments of asking the San-Francisco-based social media company to snoop on private details of user accounts at an alarming rate.

In a new report, Twitter has accused global governments of asking the San-Francisco-based social media company to snoop on private details of user accounts at an alarming rate. The tech titan revealed that it fielded nearly 60,000 legal demands during a six-month period last year asking the company to remove content. Yoel Roth, the head of safety and integrity at Twitter, said in a conversation broadcast on the site, ''We're seeing governments become more aggressive in how they try to use legal tactics to unmask the people using our service, collect information about account owners and also using legal demands as a way to try and silence people.'' Accounting for 20 per cent of the requests, the United States makes up the majority of demands for account information as per the company. × Making the most requests of Twitter to take down content from accounts, Japan is also a frequent requestor for account information. During the last half of 2021, Twitter reported a huge spike in requests from governments that targeted verified journalists and news outlets. Indicating a 103 per cent increase, governments also made a record number of legal demands on 349 accounts of verified journalists or news outlets around the globe between July and December of last year. Complying fully with roughly 40 per cent of all asks for information on user accounts, Twitter did not provide a breakdown of which countries made those requests on journalists' accounts. Twitter is not the only social media platform that faced this issue. Previously, Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms had also reported an increase in government asks for private user data during the same timeframe. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Twitter says governments asking it to snoop on private details of user accounts at alarming rate

Journalists and activists in Hungary who were targeted by Pegasus spyware are taking legal action against the government and Israeli company NSO, making the case reportedly a first in the world that seeks to hold the state accountable for alleged snooping.

It is being said that the cases could set a template for other journalists around the world who were targeted by their governments.

An independent investigation carried out by a consortium of news outlets under the Pegasus Project revealed that various&nbsp;countries abused the invasive spyware, meant for use against terrorists and serious criminals, to snoop on journalists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-spyware-row-nso-may-shut-down-pegasus-unit-436902">Amid spyware row, NSO may shut down Pegasus unit</a>

The malware allows its operator to take control of a target’s mobile device, access all data, even from encrypted messaging apps, and turn on audio or video recording.

“It is unacceptable that the operations of the national security services, which are necessarily carried out in secret, should become a tool of oppression rather than a means of protecting citizens,” Ádám Remport, of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, who is filing the case on behalf of journalists and activists, told The Guardian.

The HCLU said it will pursue various legal avenues, including complaints to the ministers overseeing the secret services in Hungary, requests to the security services to divulge information, and legal action in the courts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nsos-notorious-pegasus-spyware-secretly-bought-by-police-in-germany-reports-411667">Also Read:&nbsp;NSO's notorious Pegasus spyware secretly bought by police in Germany</a>

After deflecting the question for months, a senior government had officially&nbsp;acknowledged that&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;had indeed acquired Pegasus to snoop on journalists and activists.&nbsp;

The NSO Group has been mired in controversy following revelations that its spyware was used in several countries against journalists, activists, and even US diplomats.

The US barred the firm from accessing American technology last year, saying its tools have been used by repressive regimes, and Facebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;have filed lawsuits against NSO over hacks against their products.

(With inputs from agencies)

Journalists and activists in Hungary who were targeted by Pegasus spyware are taking legal action against the government and Israeli company NSO, making the case reportedly a first in the world that seeks to hold the state accountable for alleged snooping.

Journalists and activists in Hungary who were targeted by Pegasus spyware are taking legal action against the government and Israeli company NSO, making the case reportedly a first in the world that seeks to hold the state accountable for alleged snooping. It is being said that the cases could set a template for other journalists around the world who were targeted by their governments. An independent investigation carried out by a consortium of news outlets under the Pegasus Project revealed that various countries abused the invasive spyware, meant for use against terrorists and serious criminals, to snoop on journalists. Also read | Amid spyware row, NSO may shut down Pegasus unit The malware allows its operator to take control of a target’s mobile device, access all data, even from encrypted messaging apps, and turn on audio or video recording. “It is unacceptable that the operations of the national security services, which are necessarily carried out in secret, should become a tool of oppression rather than a means of protecting citizens,” Ádám Remport, of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, who is filing the case on behalf of journalists and activists, told The Guardian. The HCLU said it will pursue various legal avenues, including complaints to the ministers overseeing the secret services in Hungary, requests to the security services to divulge information, and legal action in the courts. Also Read: NSO's notorious Pegasus spyware secretly bought by police in Germany After deflecting the question for months, a senior government had officially acknowledged that Hungary had indeed acquired Pegasus to snoop on journalists and activists. The NSO Group has been mired in controversy following revelations that its spyware was used in several countries against journalists, activists, and even US diplomats. The US barred the firm from accessing American technology last year, saying its tools have been used by repressive regimes, and Facebook and Apple have filed lawsuits against NSO over hacks against their products. (With inputs from agencies)

Pegasus spyware: Hungarian journalists, activists to sue govt over snooping allegations

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

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

WION investigates NSO Group, which owns 'Pegasus' spyware that hacked WhatsApp. Watch video to know more.

WION investigates NSO Group, which owns 'Pegasus' spyware that hacked WhatsApp

Singapore Airlines insisted Thursday that cameras on its planes' entertainment systems had been disabled after an outcry online from worried passengers who spotted the tiny lenses peering at them.

Travellers took to Twitter and other social media to raise the alarm over the cameras at the bottom of seatback screens on a number of the Singapore flag carrier's newer aircraft.

"Just found this interesting sensor looking at me from the seat back on board of Singapore Airlines. Any expert opinion of whether is a camera?" passenger Vitaly Kamluk tweeted.

His tweet was accompanied by photos of the monitor with the embedded camera.

Another passenger urged the airline in a tweet to "notify all your passengers and get their consent, particularly EU residents, that you are doing this, why, what are you doing with the data and how long you keep it".

The airline confirmed that some of its latest inflight entertainment systems did have fixed cameras -- but assured passengers that they had been disabled.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just found this interesting sensor looking at me from the seat back on board of Singapore Airlines. Any expert opinion of whether this a camera? Perhaps <a href="https://twitter.com/SingaporeAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SingaporeAir</a> could clarify how it is used? <a href="https://t.co/vy0usqruZG">pic.twitter.com/vy0usqruZG</a>
— Vitaly Kamluk (@vkamluk) <a href="https://twitter.com/vkamluk/status/1097008518685573120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"These cameras have been intended by the manufacturers for future developments. These cameras have been permanently disabled on our aircraft and cannot be activated on board," the airline said in a statement.

"We have no plans to enable or develop any features using the cameras."

Singapore Airlines insisted Thursday that cameras on its planes' entertainment systems had been disabled after an outcry online from worried passengers who spotted the tiny lenses peering at them.

Singapore Airlines insisted Thursday that cameras on its planes' entertainment systems had been disabled after an outcry online from worried passengers who spotted the tiny lenses peering at them. Travellers took to Twitter and other social media to raise the alarm over the cameras at the bottom of seatback screens on a number of the Singapore flag carrier's newer aircraft. "Just found this interesting sensor looking at me from the seat back on board of Singapore Airlines. Any expert opinion of whether is a camera?" passenger Vitaly Kamluk tweeted. His tweet was accompanied by photos of the monitor with the embedded camera. Another passenger urged the airline in a tweet to "notify all your passengers and get their consent, particularly EU residents, that you are doing this, why, what are you doing with the data and how long you keep it". The airline confirmed that some of its latest inflight entertainment systems did have fixed cameras -- but assured passengers that they had been disabled. Just found this interesting sensor looking at me from the seat back on board of Singapore Airlines. Any expert opinion of whether this a camera? Perhaps @SingaporeAir could clarify how it is used? pic.twitter.com/vy0usqruZG — Vitaly Kamluk (@vkamluk) February 17, 2019 × "These cameras have been intended by the manufacturers for future developments. These cameras have been permanently disabled on our aircraft and cannot be activated on board," the airline said in a statement. "We have no plans to enable or develop any features using the cameras."

Singapore Airlines says it was not snooping with seatback cameras

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks.

The PIL challenging the government's December 20 notification came up before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

According to the notification, 10 central probe and snoop agencies are empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Home Ministry officials said.&nbsp;

The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner.

The plea, filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, termed the notification "illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires to the law".

He also sought to prohibit the agencies from initiating any criminal proceedings, enquiry or investigation against anybody under the provisions of the IT Act based on the notification.

The petition alleged that the notification gives the state the right to access every communication, computer and mobile and "to use it to protect political interest and object of the present executive political party".

The government's move set off a political storm with the opposition accusing the Centre of trying to create a "surveillance state".

However, the Central government said the rules for intercepting and monitoring computer data were framed in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA was in power and its new order only notified the designated authority which can carry out such action.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea challenging the notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system and sought a response within six weeks. The PIL challenging the government's December 20 notification came up before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. According to the notification, 10 central probe and snoop agencies are empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Home Ministry officials said. The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner. The plea, filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, termed the notification "illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires to the law". He also sought to prohibit the agencies from initiating any criminal proceedings, enquiry or investigation against anybody under the provisions of the IT Act based on the notification. The petition alleged that the notification gives the state the right to access every communication, computer and mobile and "to use it to protect political interest and object of the present executive political party". The government's move set off a political storm with the opposition accusing the Centre of trying to create a "surveillance state". However, the Central government said the rules for intercepting and monitoring computer data were framed in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA was in power and its new order only notified the designated authority which can carry out such action.

Supreme Court gives Centre six weeks to reply to notice on PIL against 'snooping'

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