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UK Government Officials Infected with Pegasus (citizenlab.ca)

691 points by yablak · 1609 days ago · 353 comments on HN

Article summary

The Citizen Lab has confirmed that UK government officials were infected with Pegasus spyware in 2020 and 2021, including those in the Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The suspected infections were associated with Pegasus operators linked to the UAE, India, Cyprus, and Jordan. The Citizen Lab notified the UK government of the suspected infections, citing concerns about the potential for harm and the need for governments to be aware of the ongoing spyware threat. The incident highlights the risks of targeted surveillance and the need for greater oversight and regulation of spyware sales.

Main themes

  • Pegasus spyware
  • targeted surveillance
  • NSO Group
  • UK government response
  • geopolitics
  • diversity and representation in government

What commenters say

  • The UK's response to the Pegasus spyware incident is insufficient and should be more aggressive, particularly towards Israel and NSO Group.
  • The sale of spyware to authoritarian regimes is a major concern and Western countries should take responsibility for the actions of their allies.
  • The influence of foreign-born individuals in positions of power in the UK is a topic of debate, with some arguing it is a weakness and others seeing it as a strength.
  • The UK's record on diversity and representation in government is more positive than some commenters suggest, with several high-profile positions held by individuals from ethnic minorities.
  • The comparison between the sale of spyware and the sale of weapons is flawed, as spyware requires ongoing maintenance and control by the vendor.
  • The lack of a major diplomatic incident between the UK and Israel over the Pegasus spyware incident is surprising and may be due to the complex geopolitics involved.
  • The US response to similar incidents, such as the infection of US diplomats in Uganda, has been more severe and may serve as a model for other countries.
  • The need for greater transparency and oversight in the sale and use of spyware is a key concern, particularly in light of the potential for human rights abuses.