Israel police uses NSO’s Pegasus to spy on citizens (calcalistech.com)

Article summary

The Israeli police have been using NSO's Pegasus spyware to surveil citizens, including mayors, protest leaders, and former government employees, without obtaining court warrants. The spyware was used to gather evidence and intelligence, often through remote hacking of phones. This practice has raised concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse of power. The use of Pegasus by Israeli police has been ongoing since 2013, with the company providing technical support and access to sensitive information.

Main themes

• Surveillance and privacy
• Intelligence agencies and law enforcement
• Corporate involvement in national security
• Civil rights and democracy
• Government secrecy and transparency
• National security and militarization

What commenters say

• The existence and use of spyware like Pegasus is not surprising, given the capabilities of intelligence agencies and the lack of transparency in their activities.
• The use of Pegasus by Israeli police is a clear example of the erosion of civil rights and the blurring of lines between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
• The development and sale of spyware like Pegasus is a lucrative business, with many companies and governments involved, and it is naive to think that it is only used for legitimate purposes.
• The lack of oversight and regulation of the use of spyware like Pegasus is a major concern, as it can be used to target and silence dissenting voices and opposition groups.
• Some argue that the use of Pegasus is necessary for national security and law enforcement, while others see it as a threat to democracy and individual freedoms.
• The involvement of private companies in the development and sale of spyware raises questions about the role of corporate interests in shaping national security policies and the potential for conflicts of interest.
• The use of Pegasus by Israeli police is seen by some as a symptom of a broader problem of militarization and securitization of society, where the lines between military, government, and corporate interests are increasingly blurred.