Journalists, activists targeted in Jordan with Israeli-made Pegasus spyware
Al JazeeraFeb 05
Jordan: Over 30 Reportedly Targeted by Pegasus Spyware
Image copyright: Amir Levy/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
According to a recent investigation, over 30 people in Jordan — including journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists — were hacked with the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware.
In a report released Thursday, digital rights organization Access Now along with Citizen Lab — a cybersecurity watchdog associated with the University of Toronto — documented a number of Pegasus cases in Jordan that they say point to "widespread hacking" and a "targeted surveillance campaign."
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
NSO may claim that it only sells its products to properly vetted intelligence and law enforcement agencies, but the truth is that it's selling spyware to foreign governments fully aware that they will likely abuse the software. There are many well-documented cases of spyware being used for politically motivated invasions of privacy to surveil human rights activists and journalists. There needs to be more oversight for spyware companies so that this dystopian business does not continue to happen.
Pro-establishment narrative
As one of the globe's most powerful cyberweapons, Pegasus has been utilized by governments worldwide to thwart terrorist attacks, fight organized crime, and even take down a child trafficking ring. As technology has improved, criminals have been able to hide their shady dealings, but this spyware changes the game. While NSO cannot entirely control what its products are used for, the company has terminated some contracts in the past over reported abuses and remains committed to keeping its software in the right hands. This is ultimately a force for good, even if some rare abuses get media coverage.