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Politician who investigated spyware abuses had his phone hacked with Pegasusspyware
A European politician, Stelios Kouloglou, had his phone hacked using Pegasus spyware while investigating abuses of such surveillance technologies. This incident, the first involving a PEGA committee member, raises alarms about government misuse of spyware and has led to calls for stricter regulation from the European Commission to protect democratic integrity.
Key points
- Stelios Kouloglou's phone was hacked with Pegasus spyware while serving on the PEGA committee.
- The hacking reignites concerns over spyware abuse by governments against critics.
- Citizen Lab traced the hacking to a known attack method using a zero-click vulnerability in iPhone software.
- Hacks occurred during significant committee discussions on spyware abuses, indicating potential targeting due to his investigations.
- Kouloglou plans to sue NSO Group, the spyware’s manufacturer, due to personal and data security violations.
Why it matters
- The incident reflects ongoing discussions about privacy rights and government surveillance, topics that have gained prominence in recent years.
- By 2025, trends in data privacy and regulatory measures are expected to evolve, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding against digital espionage.
- Kouloglou’s situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technologies by state actors globally.
The hacking of Kouloglou's phone highlights critical issues concerning government overreach and the ethical use of technology, pressing the need for stronger regulations to protect individual rights and uphold the rule of law.