Spyware Scandal in Italy: Journalist Ciro Pellegrino Targeted in Growing Digital Surveillance Crisis

Italy's ongoing spyware scandal has escalated with the news that Ciro Pellegrino, an investigative journalist from the news outlet Fanpage, has allegedly been targeted with sophisticated “mercenary spyware.” This marks the second attack against a journalist from the same outlet, following a similar incident involving Pellegrino’s editor-in-chief, Francesco Cancellato.

This revelation has once again raised concerns about the use of surveillance technology against journalists and civil society members in Italy. The spyware in question is believed to be produced by Paragon Solutions, an Israel-based company known for providing cyberweaponry to government clients.

Investigative News Outlet at the Center of Alleged Surveillance

Both Pellegrino and Cancellato work for Fanpage, a well-known investigative outlet that recently exposed young fascists within Italy's far-right political scene, which is closely aligned with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party. This exposé seems to have sparked the targeted surveillance, suggesting that the spyware attack may have been politically motivated.

According to Pellegrino, the notification that he had been attacked came directly from Apple. He shared his reaction with The Guardian: “On Tuesday evening I received a notification from Apple informing me that it had detected a mercenary spyware attack targeting my device. I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a prank. It’s the first time anything like this has happened to me. It’s a horrible feeling.”

His emotional response underscores the gravity of the situation. As a journalist critical of the current government, Pellegrino’s shock is understandable. He continued, questioning the reasoning behind such an attack: “Why have I been targeted? I’ve been asking myself that ever since the notification arrived. I will – and we will – ask that question publicly of anyone who has the authority and the duty to answer.”

A Web of Surveillance Targets

Pellegrino is not alone. He is the sixth individual in Italy to have fallen victim to spyware allegedly deployed by state actors. Other notable targets include Francesco Cancellato, along with civil society leaders such as Luca Casarini and Beppe Caccia—co-founders of the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans. These individuals have been vocal critics of Italy’s complicity in human rights abuses involving migrants in Libya.

Father Mattia Ferrari, a chaplain involved in migrant rescue efforts, and David Yambio, a human rights activist based in Italy, are also among those targeted. The recurring pattern of digital surveillance against activists and journalists has raised alarms about the country’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression and privacy.

 Paragon Solutions: The Shadowy Spyware Supplier

The spyware allegedly used in these attacks is military-grade software developed by Paragon Solutions, a company based in Israel. Paragon markets its technology to government clients with the stated purpose of combating crime, but the company has faced criticism for how its software has been misused. A spokesperson for Paragon emphasized that the company has a strict policy prohibiting the targeting of journalists or civil society leaders. However, with the widespread abuse of such spyware, the company’s claims have been met with skepticism.

Paragon’s involvement with Italy was confirmed earlier this year, when Cancellato revealed that he had been targeted by the same spyware. In a confidential meeting with the Italian parliamentary security committee, Copasir, cabinet undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano admitted that the Italian government had authorized the use of Paragon to spy on members of a humanitarian NGO.

Paragon eventually terminated its client relationship with Italy, but the damage had already been done.

 The Role of Citizen Lab and Calls for Accountability

As the investigation into these spyware attacks continues, researchers from the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab are playing a crucial role. Citizen Lab tracks the digital surveillance of activists and journalists and helps identify the specific types of spyware used in these incidents. John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the Italian government’s use of spyware.

Scott-Railton commented on the ongoing investigation, stating: “The Paragon affair is not over for Italy, and now is a critical moment for clear and transparent official communication.” Given that the Italian government was a known user of Paragon spyware, Scott-Railton stressed that the government would likely have logs detailing whether Pellegrino was targeted with the software.

The Italian Government Faces Scrutiny

With the Copasir committee now investigating whether Italy’s secret services broke the law by using Paragon to target journalists and activists, the pressure is mounting on the government to provide clarity and transparency. This scandal has raised serious questions about the abuse of surveillance powers and the balance between national security and individual freedoms.

Pellegrino’s case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists and activists in Italy and around the world, as powerful governments and private companies deploy increasingly sophisticated surveillance tools. As the investigation unfolds, the global community will be watching closely, hoping for accountability and an end to the illegal targeting of journalists.

This growing spyware scandal in Italy not only raises concerns about the state’s abuse of surveillance technology but also serves as a dire warning to journalists everywhere about the risks of speaking truth to power. With the Italian government facing mounting scrutiny, the international community’s response will be critical in shaping the future of digital surveillance and press freedom.