Authoritarian governments have allegedly used spyware sold by an Israeli surveillance company to target journalists, human rights activists, and lawyers worldwide. According to a data leak, the NSO Group made malware called Pegasus that infects Android devices and iPhones, allowing access to messages, photos, and emails. The software also allowed users to record phone calls and covertly activate microphones.
Multiple governments, including Azerbaijan, Morocco, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, India, the UAE, and Mexico are implicated in targeting people for surveillance. While NSO claims that it only sells to military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies from vetted countries, it appears that those targeted are pro-democracy activists, political opponents, and those investigating corruption.
