The European Parliament doesn't like it when governments use spyware like Pegasus to eavesdrop on citizens. MEPs are calling for stricter rules to protect critical citizens and political opponents from their governments. "Meanwhile, they are simply undermining democracy."
This is what Sophie in 't Veld, MEP for D66, tells the Financieel Dagblad. Together with her CDA colleague Jeroen Lenaers, she is currently in Israel for a visit to NSO Group, the company responsible for the development of Pegasus.
Pegasus is software that allows users to remotely eavesdrop on people. The spyware program makes it possible to enter and read all digital communications. It is also possible to obtain photos, videos, phone numbers, location data, stored documents and other sensitive data. Eavesdropping on phone calls and controlling the camera to secretly take screenshots and videos is also possible.
Sophie in 't Veld, like Jeroen Lenaers, is no fan of spy software. There are indications that Pegasus is being used in the EU to eavesdrop on European politicians. The spy software has been used against Catalan, Spanish and British politicians, among others. NSO Group's spyware has also reportedly been used in Poland, Hungary and Greece to eavesdrop on critical journalists.
In 't Veld and Lenaers are critical when it comes to the use of spyware. In their view, this software should only be used to track and arrest criminals. As an example, they take Ridouan Taghi. It is rumored that the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) tapped the phone of the prime suspect in the Marengo trial. "Taghi is probably the biggest criminal we have and then this is legitimate," In 't Veld told the Financieele Dagblad.
Governments using spying software against dissidents, journalists, judges, trade union leaders and human rights activists is taking In 't Veld and Lenaers a step too far. All this, they say, is done under the guise of national security. They call it "a national competence" where Brussels should not interfere. "But in the meantime they are simply undermining democracy," In 't Veld said.
The European Parliament announced an investigation into Pegasus in late March. 38 MEPs are investigating the extent to which NS Group's spying software is used to monitor European politicians, journalists and activists. Sophie in 't Veld chairs the PEGA inquiry committee and hopes to present its findings early next year.
In June, the committee spoke to Chaim Gelfand, NSO Group's legal adviser. He said that at least five European member states are using Pegasus. Which countries are involved, he would not say. During the hearing, Gelfand made a case for more international rules and regulation.
This week, the European Commission of Inquiry is in Israel to question the CEO of NSO Group. It is also visiting the Defense Ministry to shed light on the deployment of Pegasus in Europe. That department issues export licenses for the spyware.
Although the European Parliament investigation is still underway, In 't Veld is already talking about a "European Watergate scandal." It has been almost a year since 17 news organizations reported that Pegasus was used to eavesdrop on at least 189 journalists between 2016 and 2019. Prominent figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron, European Council President Charles Michel and the King of Morocco Mohammed VI were also allegedly spied on with Pegasus. Possibly hundreds if not thousands of others have also been monitored with NSO Group's surveillance software.
Lenaers concurs with her. "It is not just about privacy and human rights, but has a broader effect. This has a chilling effect on entire professional groups. As a journalist or lawyer, you will think twice before criticizing the government, when you see what happens to your colleagues," the CDA'er said.
In 't Veld says there is urgency in the European Parliament investigation. "If NSO goes bankrupt or is bought out, all the information is out of reach. As the European Parliament, we cannot force those involved to cooperate nor hear them under oath. So we have to make sure we are flexible in responding to new developments and generate a lot of visibility with the general public. That can discipline NSO and its customers."
NSO Group has always denied that Pegasus is being used to eavesdrop on civilians. "Our technologies are used daily to unearth pedophilia networks and networks of drug and sex traffickers, track missing and abducted children, locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings and protect airspace from disruptive penetration by dangerous drones," a spokesperson for the Israeli company said in a statement, and Amnesty International in turn sued NSO Group. The human rights organization wants a "thorough and independent investigation" into the Israeli company's dealings. The U.S. has blacklisted the security company. That means U.S. companies are not allowed to do business with NSO Group.
