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A Controversial Breakup Between Italy and Paragon Technologies
In a sharp turn of events, Italy has officially ended its relationship with Paragon, the Israeli spyware firm once praised for offering “ethical surveillance.” The move comes after mounting evidence that Italian intelligence used Paragon’s Graphite spyware not just against criminal suspects, but also against journalists and humanitarian workers involved in migrant rescues. This revelation has triggered widespread condemnation and sparked fresh debates about the legitimacy of state surveillance under the guise of national security.
📌 the Italy’s Surveillance Scandal Unfolds
Italy’s government has formally terminated its secret contract with Paragon, a Tel Aviv-based spyware firm that gained global attention for its branding as an “ethical” alternative to notorious surveillance firms like NSO Group. The decision follows a damning investigation and months of media scrutiny, culminating in a report by Italy’s parliamentary security committee, COPASIR.
The report reveals that Italian intelligence agencies had access to Paragon’s Graphite spyware beginning in 2023. Officially, it was to combat terrorism, espionage, and fuel smuggling — but new evidence paints a different picture. Specifically, the spyware was used against activists from Mediterranea Saving Humans, a well-known NGO rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean. Two key figures from the group, Luca Casarini and Beppe Caccia, were targeted in September 2024 under judicial authorization, based on vague accusations of links to irregular immigration. Critics argue these allegations were a pretext to suppress humanitarian efforts.
Further complicating matters is the criminal trial now facing Casarini, Caccia, and four other Mediterranea crew members — the first such case in Italy. Human rights organizations have criticized the legal action as politically driven, accusing the government of weaponizing immigration laws to silence aid workers.
Meanwhile, Paragon’s reputation is unraveling. Founded in 2019 by Israeli military intelligence veterans and backed by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, the company positioned itself as a clean, U.S.-approved player in the global surveillance industry. However, its image took a major hit when Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, publicly accused Paragon of deploying spyware against 90 journalists and activists worldwide, including in Italy.
Among the alleged targets was Francesco Cancellato, editor at Fanpage, an outlet known for critical reporting on the Meloni administration. Though COPASIR now claims there is no evidence he was spied on, conflicting media reports — and Cancellato’s own assertions — leave the issue unresolved.
Adding to the confusion is the disagreement over when exactly the Italy-Paragon contract ended. Paragon insists it terminated the deal as soon as the scandal surfaced, while government officials claimed as late as February that the contract was still in effect. This ambiguity has triggered opposition demands for transparency and a broader reassessment of surveillance oversight in Italy.
🔍 What Undercode Say:
The Ethical Facade of Modern Surveillance
Paragon’s branding as an “ethical” spyware vendor was always a fragile proposition. In the digital age, surveillance tools are only as ethical as the governments wielding them. Italy’s use of Graphite against non-violent NGO workers suggests a breach of that ethical promise, undermining Paragon’s credibility. Even if technically legal under Italian law, such actions cross a red line for many in civil society.
Democratic Governments and the Spyware Paradox
The episode illustrates a growing paradox: democratic states purchasing powerful surveillance tools from foreign vendors, only to use them in undemocratic ways. Italy’s actions mirror a broader European trend where governments blur the line between national security and political control, particularly around migration and dissent.
Geopolitical Fallout and Corporate Damage Control
Paragon’s fallout in Italy may have ripple effects. Already under fire from Meta and media outlets, the company now faces global skepticism. Governments previously considering Paragon may think twice, especially as tech giants like Meta turn up the pressure on spyware vendors. Meanwhile, Italy must grapple with internal criticism over its surveillance practices — and its apparent willingness to criminalize humanitarianism.
Legal Gray Zones and the Ethics of Targeting Activists
The legal rationale for targeting Casarini and Caccia rests on supposed ties to irregular immigration. Yet, the broader implication is chilling: that humanitarian aid can be reframed as a security threat. It sets a precedent that erodes trust in democratic accountability, with spyware becoming a tool not just for policing, but for political intimidation.
Media and Civil Society: The First Line of Defense
Independent journalism and watchdog organizations have been central to uncovering this scandal. Without their persistent reporting, the misuse of Graphite may have gone unnoticed. The conflicting narratives around who was surveilled — and why — highlight the importance of investigative reporting in safeguarding democratic institutions.
✅ Fact Checker Results:
No solid proof found that journalist Francesco Cancellato was spied on — despite initial reports.
Paragon claims early termination of the contract, while official sources say it ended later — timeline is unclear.
Use of spyware against Mediterranea members confirmed — sparking legal and ethical concerns.
🔮 Prediction: The Future of Spyware Regulation in Europe
The scandal is likely to accelerate calls for stricter oversight and regulation of surveillance technologies across the European Union. Italy’s experience could serve as a cautionary tale, especially as more countries reconsider the balance between national security and civil liberties. Paragon may survive commercially, but its “ethical” branding is permanently damaged. Expect more transparency demands, tougher tech diplomacy, and renewed debates on digital rights in the near future.
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Reported By: calcalistechcom_d0190a3b725e816dced2ad4a
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