Paragon Spyware Confirms US Government as Customer

Paragon Solutions Confirms Sales to U.S. Government and Allies

Paragon Solutions, an Israeli developer of spyware, has acknowledged selling its technologies to the United States government and other allied nations. This confirmation was provided to TechCrunch by the company itself.

Executive Statement on Licensing Practices

According to John Fleming, Paragon’s executive chairman, the company’s technology is licensed to a limited number of democratic governments globally. He specifically identified the United States and its allies as primary recipients.

Fleming further emphasized that Paragon mandates all users adhere to terms and conditions expressly forbidding the targeting of journalists and civil society representatives. A strict zero-tolerance policy is in place, leading to contract termination for any violations of these terms.

Allegations of Spyware Use in Hacking Campaign

These statements follow accusations made by WhatsApp on Friday, alleging that Paragon’s spyware was utilized in a hacking operation impacting approximately 90 journalists and civil society members.

Since these allegations surfaced, at least two individuals have identified themselves as potential targets: Francesco Cancellato, an Italian journalist, and Husam El Gomati, a Libyan activist residing in Sweden.

Unanswered Questions Regarding Paragon’s Policies

Despite inquiries, Fleming did not address specific questions concerning the definition of a “U.S. ally” or a “democracy” within Paragon’s framework.

He also remained silent on the specifics of the terms of service regarding journalist and civil society targeting, the company’s investigative procedures for abuse allegations – including those raised by WhatsApp – and whether any contracts have been terminated due to such violations.

Previous Contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Reports surfaced last year, initially by Wired, detailing a $2 million contract between Paragon’s U.S. subsidiary and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At the time, the company offered no comment.

Acquisition Bid and Response

AE Industrial, a U.S. private equity firm, previously attempted to acquire Paragon for approximately $900 million. Matt Conroy, a spokesperson for AE Industrial, declined to comment, directing all inquiries to Paragon.

WhatsApp’s Cease-and-Desist Letter

WhatsApp confirmed sending a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon on Friday. Fleming declined to provide any comment regarding this legal action.

Targeted Journalist and Investigation

Francesco Cancellato, director of the news website Fanpage.it, was targeted after his publication released an investigation into the “Gioventù Meloniana,” the youth wing of the Fratelli d’Italia party.

The investigation, led by current Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni since 2022, revealed racist, antisemitic remarks, use of offensive language, and the chanting of slogans associated with Nazism and Benito Mussolini by members of the youth group. This prompted criticism from opposition parties.

“I feel violated,” Cancellato stated to TechCrunch, questioning the motives behind the targeting of his phone.

Activist’s Criticism of Italian-Libyan Relations

Husam El Gomati, despite residing in Sweden and being Libyan, has publicly criticized the relationship between the Italian and Libyan governments, particularly their collaborative efforts to prevent Libyan migrants from reaching Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.