In the digital age, surveillance technologies have evolved rapidly, with Pegasus spyware emerging as one of the most sophisticated tools. Developed by the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group, Pegasus has been marketed as a means to combat terrorism and serious crimes. However, investigations have revealed its misuse by various governments to target journalists, activists, and political opponents, raising significant concerns about privacy and human rights.
Understanding Pegasus Spyware
Pegasus is designed to infiltrate smartphones running iOS and Android operating systems. It can be installed covertly, often without any action from the target — a method known as a “zero-click” exploit. Once installed, it grants the attacker access to a wide range of data, including text messages, emails, contacts, photos, and can activate the device’s microphone and camera for real-time surveillance. The spyware is modular, allowing operators to customize its functionalities based on specific surveillance needs.
NSO Group claims that Pegasus is sold exclusively to vetted government agencies for legitimate security purposes. However, reports have documented its use in various controversial contexts, highlighting the potential for Pegasus to be used as a tool for political repression rather than legitimate law enforcement.
Global Deployment and Misuse
Mexico
In Mexico, Pegasus spyware has been used to monitor journalists and human rights activists. Despite the government’s assurances to cease its use, investigations revealed that the Mexican Armed Forces continued to deploy Pegasus to spy on communications between journalists at the newspaper El Universal and human rights defender Raymundo Ramos. These actions have raised serious concerns about the violation of privacy and the suppression of free speech in the country.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has been implicated in the use of Pegasus spyware to surveil associates of journalist Jamal Khashoggi prior to his assassination. Forensic analyses indicated that the phones of those close to Khashoggi were targeted before and after his murder, suggesting a coordinated effort to monitor and suppress dissenting voices.
Hungary
In Hungary, the government acknowledged purchasing Pegasus spyware, which was allegedly used to target journalists, businesspeople, and opposition politicians. This revelation has led to legal actions against the Hungarian state and NSO Group, highlighting concerns about the misuse of surveillance tools to stifle political opposition and press freedom.
Jordan
In Jordan, Pegasus spyware was used to hack the cellphones of at least 30 individuals, including journalists, lawyers, human rights, and political activists. The digital rights group Access Now reported that the hacking occurred from early 2020 until November 2023, raising alarms about the infringement of civil liberties and the targeting of civil society members in the country.
Indonesia
Investigations by Amnesty International and media partners have uncovered evidence that Indonesian state agencies, including the national police and intelligence bodies, have acquired and utilized Pegasus spyware. Between 2017 and 2023, these tools were reportedly used to monitor politicians, activists, journalists, and civil society members. The procurement often involved complex networks of suppliers and intermediaries, sometimes circumventing direct dealings with Israeli firms due to the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The misuse of Pegasus has led to significant legal challenges for NSO Group. In December 2024, a U.S. federal judge ruled that NSO violated U.S. hacking laws and WhatsApp’s terms of service by using Pegasus to surveil over 1,400 individuals. This ruling marked a pivotal moment in holding spyware manufacturers accountable for their tools’ misuse.
The deployment of Pegasus spyware underscores the urgent need for robust oversight and regulation of surveillance technologies. As the line between national security and individual privacy blurs, it’s imperative for democratic societies to ensure that tools designed to protect do not become instruments of oppression.