Amnesty International Calls for Global Ban on Spyware Like Pegasus

By Netvora Tech News

Amnesty International is urging a complete ban on spyware like Pegasus, following the decision by a US federal jury to fine NSO Group, the company behind the surveillance software, $167 million. The organization believes that the ruling is a significant victory in the fight against the misuse of spyware.

A Powerful and Invasive Tool

Pegasus is a type of spyware that allows attackers to access and monitor victims' devices, including their microphones and cameras. It can also intercept and eavesdrop on conversations and communications on popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, Viber, Facebook, Telegram, Skype, WeChat, and others. The malware has been spreading since at least 2016, taking advantage of vulnerabilities that were not patched at the time of the attack.

A Threat to Human Rights

Amnesty International is concerned that NSO Group's spyware has been used to violate the human rights of people around the world, including journalists and activists. The organization hopes that the fine will have a deterrent effect on the spyware industry, its investors, and government clients.

A Call to Action

Rebecca White, a spokesperson for Amnesty International, emphasized the need for governments to take proactive and concrete measures to regulate the surveillance industry. "This decision should be a wake-up call for governments," she said. "They must ensure that surveillance practices are transparent and accountable, and that programs like Pegasus, which are inherently incompatible with human rights standards, are completely banned."

Urgent Action Needed

Amnesty International is urging governments to take immediate action to prevent the misuse of spyware like Pegasus. The organization believes that a global ban on such software is necessary to protect human rights and prevent further violations.

NSO Group has been fined $167 million for its role in a spyware attack on 14,000 WhatsApp users in 2019.
Pegasus is a powerful and invasive type of spyware that can access and monitor victims' devices, intercept conversations, and track their location.
Amnesty International believes that the spyware has been used to violate the human rights of people around the world, including journalists and activists.
The organization is urging governments to take proactive and concrete measures to regulate the surveillance industry and prevent the misuse of spyware like Pegasus.