An investigation by Facebook and Citizen Lab found that over 1,400 individuals, including journalists from India were targets of Spyware, owned by an Israeli company called the NSO Group. According to The Telegraph, targeted people in India said that governments are known to buy the spyware for surveillance.
Pegasus was said to be exploiting WhatsApp's video calling system by installing spyware via missed calls. During the general election in India in 2019, at least 20 people, including journalists, were victims of NSO group’s spyware. The Indian government has denied buying any spyware from the NSO group.
Members of SAMSN hold that the NSO group’s action seriously compromises the digital safety, security and privacy of journalists around the globe.
SAMSN members said: “The attempt to spy on journalists, academics and activists is against the right to privacy and safety. National governments need to pay serious attention to address the issue”.
The IFJ said: “We urge the Indian government to take legal action to resolve these issues and ensure its citizens’ right to privacy and safety are upheld. Further, the IFJ suggests national governments note the potential damage Pegasus spyware may cause, and take the necessary precautions to ensure their commitment to press freedom”.