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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington and Angela Giuffrida in Rome

Owner of spyware used in alleged WhatsApp breach ends contract with Italy

WhatsApp logo displayed on a smartphone screen
WhatsApp says that Paragon’s spyware has been used to target dozens of people. Photograph: Thomas Fuller/Sopa Images/Rex/Shutterstock

Paragon Solutions, whose military-grade hacking software was allegedly used to target 90 people, including journalists and members of civil society, in two dozen countries, has terminated its client relationship with Italy, according a person familiar with the matter.

Paragon’s decision to end the Italy contract followed revelations that an Italian investigative journalist and two activists who were critical of Italy’s dealings with Libya were among the people who had allegedly been targeted with the spyware. The work of all three individuals has been critical of the rightwing government of Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.

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