A Meta official from WhatsApp revealed that Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions had targeted several of its users, including journalists and civil society members. Following the discovery of the hack, WhatsApp sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter, emphasizing their commitment to protecting users’ privacy.
WhatsApp confirmed that it had identified an attempt to hack about 90 users, though the specific targets and their locations were not disclosed. The company referred the affected individuals to Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog. While WhatsApp did not specify how it identified Paragon as the perpetrator, it confirmed that law enforcement and industry partners had been notified.
Paragon, which declined to comment on the allegations, is known for selling surveillance software to government clients. The spyware, designed to help governments fight crime and ensure national security, has been found on devices belonging to journalists, activists, and politicians, raising concerns about the unregulated spread of such technologies.
Despite its claims of responsibility, Paragon’s reputation is now in question. The company had positioned itself as a more ethical player in the spyware industry, promoting its products as tools for addressing significant threats in democratic countries. However, WhatsApp’s recent findings suggest that this image may not align with reality.
Natalia Krapiva, senior tech-legal counsel at Access Now, highlighted the growing issue within the spyware industry. While Paragon has been regarded as one of the “better” spyware companies, Krapiva pointed out that such abuses appear to be systemic within the industry, not isolated incidents.
