Italy refuted claims on Wednesday that Israeli spyware manufacturer Paragon had severed ties with Rome due to allegations that the Italian government unlawfully used its technology to hack the phones of critics instead of criminals. Alfredo Mantovano, the cabinet undersecretary for intelligence affairs, clarified, "Paragon has not suspended its service nor terminated the contract."
During a parliamentary session, Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani reiterated that Italy's intelligence service had abided by the law and not utilized Paragon software to surveil "entities protected by law, particularly journalists".
Reports surfaced earlier this month linking Paragon's spyware to the targeting of various individuals, including a journalist and a human rights activist critical of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Italy's government acknowledged that seven mobile phone users in the country were affected by the spyware designed for targeting criminals. However, it denied complicity in any illicit activities and called for an inquiry.
Although The Guardian and Haaretz newspapers reported Paragon's alleged disconnection from Italy due to skepticism towards the government's denial, Paragon and its owner, the Florida-based investment group AE Industrial Partners, have not responded to Reuters' inquiries.
Ciriani assured Parliament that Paragon continued to collaborate with Italy, stating, "All systems remain fully operational to counter threats against national interests and security."
He urged Italy's judiciary to investigate the reported hacks on journalists. "The Italian Services stand ready to offer full cooperation," he added.