Italian prosecutors have confirmed that two immigration activists and a journalist were hacked as part of the same spying campaign, raising concerns about the involvement of the far-right government.
Italian prosecutors have uncovered evidence confirming that two immigration activists and a journalist were victims of cyber espionage, with all three individuals having been targeted in late 2024. This revelation is part of a broader investigation into a domestic spying scandal that has attracted significant attention in Italy. Concerns are directed towards the government led by Giorgia Meloni, especially after denials of any involvement in the hacking incidents, further fueling speculations about the political ramifications of these actions.
The controversy erupted in early 2025 when WhatsApp announced that around 90 individuals, including journalists and civil society members, had been targeted by spyware developed by Paragon Solutions, an Israeli-founded company now owned by US investors. The firm's product, known as Graphite, is sold to government agencies for crime prevention and investigation, however, its misuse for surveilling activists and journalists raises serious ethical concerns regarding privacy, state surveillance, and journalistic freedom in Italy.
The implications of this hacking campaign extend beyond the individuals affected; they also spotlight the delicate balance of power between the government and civil society in Italy. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will shape public trust in the government and how it could potentially influence policies surrounding the use of surveillance technology and the protection of journalists and activists.
