The Latest Breaking News from Citizen Lab

Spyware used against MEP investigating Pegasus abuses, report finds

Researchers say Stelios Kouloglou’s device was compromised after he joined European parliamentary committee

The Guardian - UK · Jul 3

Israeli-Linked Project Reportedly Using AI to Generate Fake Iranian Victims, Manufacture Support for Regime Change

A report reveals an Israeli-linked network using AI-generated deepfakes to incite unrest in Iran, targeting political prisoners and promoting regime change amidst military conflict.

International Business Times UK · Apr 22

Kenyan authorities used Israeli tech to crack activist’s phone, report claims

Citizen Lab report suggests Cellebrite software was used to break into Boniface Mwangi’s phone while he was under arrest

The Guardian - UK · Feb 17

WhatsApp says its users targeted by Israeli spyware company Paragon

An official at the Meta-owned platform says it detected attempts by Paragon to hack its users’ accounts.

Al Jazeera · Jan 31, 2025

State surveillance: Kenyans have a right to privacy – does the government respect it?

The Kenyan government is using technology to improve governance, service delivery and national security. The progress, while welcome, has brought with it concerns about state surveillance, data protection, and violations of fundamental rights and freedoms. Following anti-government protests in Kenya that began in June 2024, for instance, there were several…

The Conversation · Nov 28, 2024

123 Chinese websites ‘posing as local news outlets’ in 30 countries: Citizen Lab

A network of 123 Chinese websites are reportedly posing as local news outlets in 30 countries and driving “pro-Beijing disinformation” and “ad hominem attacks” as part of an “influence” campaign linked to a Beijing-based public relations firm, said a report by research group Citizen Lab.   

Newslaundry · Feb 8, 2024

Fears over citizens' privacy as Iran reveals new mandatory antivirus mobile app

Considering Iran's track record, rather than a security measure experts fear it'll become a further tool for surveillance. So, what's at stake for Iranians?

TechRadar · Dec 18, 2023

Critics of Serbia’s government targeted with ‘military-grade spyware’

Security researchers say two pro-democracy activists were subjected to attempted state-sponsored hacking

The Guardian - UK · Nov 28, 2023

Leading Egyptian opposition presidential candidate targeted by spyware

Security researchers, including from Google, believe the Egyptian government is behind the attacks.

Al Jazeera · Sep 24, 2023

Leading Egyptian opposition politician targeted with spyware, researchers find

Security researchers say a leading Egyptian opposition politician was targeted with Predator spyware after announcing a president bid

The Independent UK · Sep 24, 2023