Paragon Solutions, a surveillance technology startup, has severed ties with the Italian government after allegations of its spyware targeting individuals, including journalists. Initially suspending their contract following WhatsApp's disruption of a hacking campaign, Paragon ultimately terminated agreements with two Italian agencies, citing violations of ethical guidelines and service terms. The Italian government denied involvement in the spyware incidents, which involve scrutiny from the National Cybersecurity Agency regarding foreign surveillance practices targeting high-profile individuals. There has been no comment from Paragon's leadership regarding the situation.
On Thursday, citing an anonymous source, The Guardian reported Paragon had first suspended its contract with Italy on Friday after WhatsApp said it had disrupted a hacking campaign leveraging the Israeli startup's spyware targeting around 90 people.
Arturo di Corinto, a spokesperson for Italy's Agenzia per la Cybersicurezza Nazionale, confirmed to TechCrunch that ACN is in contact with Meta's legal representatives, and that "it is analyzing the case that, as you know, is very delicate, given the involvement of a foreign company and the alleged surveillance of a journalist and a human rights activist."
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