The Italian government strongly refuted claims that it had used spyware to monitor journalists and migrant activists, despite evidence that seven Italian mobile phones were hacked with technology typically reserved for military surveillance. Officials confirmed activation of the National Cybersecurity Agency to examine potential vulnerabilities, while acknowledging that phones from several other European nations were similarly affected.
In official testimony before parliament, Cabinet Minister Luca Ciriani emphasized that the government had maintained a longstanding contract with an Israeli cyber firm to help combat terrorism and other national security threats. He insisted that all surveillance activities were conducted within the legal framework and condemned any assertions that journalists were illegally targeted. The minister also mentioned that it would be the responsibility of judicial authorities to pinpoint the origins of the reported vulnerabilities, while affirming the full support of Italian intelligence services.
Following initial reports by a major news outlet, Meta’s WhatsApp alerted a number of users across Europe on January 31 that their devices had been compromised in a spyware campaign linked to the cyber firm. Among the individuals targeted were Luca Casarini, leader of a migrant rescue association, and editor Francesco Cancellato, both of whom have been vocally critical of the government. Their receiving of the alert prompted them to consider engaging with experts known for uncovering state-backed cyber operations.
Despite reports suggesting that the contract with the Israeli firm may have been partially terminated after the attack came to light, Ciriani clarified that the engagement with the intelligence service remains active. This detail hints at potential changes in related contracts, adding further complexity to the situation as investigations continue.
8 Comments
Pupsik
“In a climate of rising cyber threats, using military-grade tools under proper oversight is an appropriate response for national safety.”
Marishka
“I’m not buying the official story. Using spyware on political dissidents is exactly what authoritarian regimes do.”
Pupsik
“I trust that judicial oversight will determine the next steps, ensuring that all actions remain within legal bounds.”
Marishka
“Sabotaging the phone security of critics is a blatant intimidation tactic. This must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
Pupsik
“The minister’s explanation that targeting wasn’t based on dissent but on surveillance for security is a sensible stance.”
Michelangelo
“I appreciate that they clarified the long-term contracts and that their actions are rooted in law. Safety first!”
Raphael
“If you ask me, using surveillance tools within a legal framework is necessary to combat terrorism and serious threats.”
Leonardo
“Given today’s complex cyber threat landscape, partnering with expert firms—even from abroad—is a practical necessity.”