The Italian government has rejected allegations that it spied on journalists and migrant advocates with spyware, while committing to assist in an inquiry into potential weaknesses following reports that military-grade surveillance technology compromised at least seven cellphones belonging to Italians.
On January 31, Meta’s WhatsApp messaging service notified a number of individuals across the European Union about being targeted in a spyware operation attributed to technology developed by Israeli cyber firm Paragon Solutions. In a statement from WhatsApp’s press office in Italy, the company described this as a “spyware campaign” that affected various users, including members of the media and civil society.
The situation escalated after a report from The Guardian, which prompted the Italian government to confirm on February 5 that at least seven cellphones in Italy had been hacked. As a result, the National Cybersecurity Agency was activated to investigate the issue, operating under the premier’s office. Additionally, phone numbers from several other European nations, including Belgium, Greece, and Germany, were also reportedly compromised.
During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Cabinet Minister Luca Ciriani affirmed that the Italian government has held a contract with Paragon Solutions for several years to enhance intelligence gathering for national security, particularly in combating terrorism. However, he insisted that all legal protocols were followed and firmly denied any illicit spying on journalists. He warned of potential legal actions against any false claims regarding government surveillance.
Ciriani noted that it is ultimately the responsibility of the judicial authorities to investigate the reported vulnerabilities, and assured that Italian intelligence services are prepared to extend their full support in this matter. While reports indicated that Paragon had suspended its contract with Italy following the revelation of the spyware incident, Ciriani clarified that the agreement with intelligence services remains in effect, implying that a separate contract—possibly with another law enforcement division—was terminated. Israeli media has reported that Paragon had two contracts with Italy tied to its Graphite technology, known for its ability to breach encrypted smartphones.
As for those targeted, the list included Luca Casarini, leader of the migrant rescue organization Mediterranea Saving Humans, and Francesco Cancellato, editor of the news outlet Fanpage, both of whom have been critical of government policies. Both individuals confirmed during interviews on Wednesday that they received notifications from WhatsApp about their devices being compromised with spyware on January 31. The app directed them to contact Citizen Lab, an organization from the University of Toronto notorious for exposing state-sponsored cyber threats.
Cancellato expressed his belief that he was being monitored as a potential way for hackers to gain insights into ongoing investigative stories at Fanpage. He speculated that undercover investigations conducted by his team, particularly focusing on the youth branch of Premier Giorgia Meloni’s party and uncovering extremist behavior, may have piqued the interest of the hackers.
Conversely, Casarini leads an organization focused on rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean sea and has voiced strong opposition to the Italian government’s support for Libyan coastguard measures aimed at preventing departing smuggler vessels. He confirmed his intent to cooperate with legal authorities in their investigations.
