In Milan, Italian lawmakers have urged for enhanced safeguards for citizens’ online information following a recent investigation into a hacking scheme that reportedly targeted law enforcement and tax authority data, among other sensitive public records.

Prosecutors revealed that at least 800,000 Italians were affected by breaches that occurred in 2022, attributed to a private investigative firm that created detailed files on prominent business and political figures for a fee. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify the specific officials who were compromised.

Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister, labeled the incident as “a threat to democracy,” prompting the opposition Democratic Party to demand that Premier Giorgia Meloni present a plan to address data protection in parliament.

As part of this investigation, four individuals have been placed under house arrest, including Carmine Gallo, a former law enforcement official who led the private investigative agency at the center of the inquiry. The alleged hacker who played a key role in the scheme is also among those detained. Additionally, around 20 other individuals, many of whom are notable business leaders, are now facing scrutiny as the investigation progresses.