The alarming rise of spyware usage in Europe has once again come into the spotlight, with a recent investigation revealing that seven journalists and activists based in Europe were targeted with the infamous Pegasus spyware between August 2020 and late June 2023. This attack is not an isolated case but rather part of a larger trend where state-backed surveillance is infringing upon freedom of expression and the right to privacy.
In collaboration with human rights organizations Access Now and the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, independent researcher Nikolai Kvantaliani conducted an in-depth investigation that uncovered a series of Pegasus spyware attacks targeting Russian, Belarusian, Latvian, and Israeli journalists. The investigation details that these attacks began as early as 2020 and intensified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite efforts by European policymakers to regulate spyware, this investigation highlights a continuing threat to civil society, especially those who work in journalism and activism.
Notably, among the victims are five journalists and two activists, including prominent figures like Belarusian opposition leader Andrei Sannikov and Natallia Radzina, the editor-in-chief of Charter97.org, a leading Belarusian independent news outlet.
The investigation sheds light on the harrowing experiences of journalists targeted by Pegasus. Natallia Radzina, a journalist previously persecuted by Belarus’s KGB, was infected with Pegasus on multiple occasions in December 2022 and January 2023. Radzina stated, “This is a violation of privacy, secrecy of correspondence, and telephone conversations.” She also expressed concern about the potential collaboration between Belarusian and Russian intelligence services in these targeted attacks.
Similarly, Latvian journalist Evgeny Pavlov was targeted twice in late 2022 and early 2023. Pavlov, whose journalistic work is legal and transparent in Latvia, speculated that his collaborations with foreign media may have triggered the attacks. “If the intelligence services of any country can interfere in the activities of journalists in this way, then this poses a very big threat to free and safe journalism,” Pavlov said.
These instances illustrate a widespread disregard for journalistic freedom and privacy, with journalists and activists facing surveillance from unknown entities, potentially state-backed security services. The targeting of these individuals reflects the broader issue of increasing spyware use across Europe.
Europe has become a battleground in the fight against mercenary spyware. Despite its reputation for robust technology regulations, European policymakers have been criticized for their lax approach to curbing spyware abuse. Investigations and revelations continue to expose human rights violations and national security breaches tied to the misuse of Pegasus.
John Scott-Railton, a researcher at Citizen Lab, voiced his frustration with Europe’s sluggish response to spyware regulation: “Europe is fast becoming a leader in spyware crises.” This sentiment is echoed by Sophie In ‘t Veld, a Dutch member of the European Parliament, who pointed to Europe’s failure to hold governments accountable for spyware abuse. She stated that spyware abuse in Europe “is out of hand,” with the EU acting like a “lawless wild west.”
The investigation’s authors have urged governments to implement an immediate moratorium on the export, sale, transfer, and use of digital surveillance technologies, particularly Pegasus. They stress the need for rigorous human rights safeguards to prevent further abuses. Although some EU policymakers have begun taking action, there remains a lack of urgency and comprehensive regulation across the region.
The European Parliament’s PEGA Committee, established to investigate spyware abuses, has documented systemic issues in Poland and Hungary, with concerns raised over spyware use in Greece and Spain. While the committee has made several recommendations, including the need for stronger regulations, many of these proposals remain unimplemented, leaving European citizens vulnerable to ongoing surveillance.
Jeroen Lenaers, Chair of the PEGA Committee, acknowledged the complexity of the issue but emphasized that a complete ban on spyware may not be the solution. Instead, he advocated for effective oversight mechanisms and legal remedies for individuals whose rights have been violated. However, as Lenaers points out, the European Commission has been slow to adopt these recommendations, enabling the continued abuse of spyware against journalists and activists.
As spyware abuses escalate across the continent, Europe faces mounting pressure to take decisive action. The European Union must strike a delicate balance between preserving national security interests and protecting individual freedoms. The growing momentum behind efforts to regulate spyware offers hope, but without strong leadership and coordinated efforts, Europe risks becoming a hub for surveillance crises.
While governments may argue that spyware is a necessary tool for tackling serious crimes, its misuse presents a clear threat to democracy, free press, and civil society. Robust judicial oversight, transparent policies, and effective legal remedies are essential to curb the dangers posed by surveillance technology.
This investigation highlights the critical need for immediate, comprehensive reforms in Europe’s approach to spyware. Journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens must be protected from unwarranted surveillance and state-sponsored espionage. While spyware technology such as Pegasus can serve legitimate purposes in law enforcement, its potential for abuse cannot be overlooked.
The future of free press and human rights in Europe depends on swift and coordinated action to regulate the use of spyware technologies. Governments must prioritize the establishment of clear safeguards and ensure that those responsible for abuses are held accountable. Only by addressing these issues head-on can Europe move toward a more secure and just future for its citizens.
This article underscores the critical importance of addressing the rampant abuse of spyware across Europe, advocating for decisive action to safeguard the rights and privacy of those affected.
