Journalists Under Siege: The Global Fight Against Spyware

In an era where digital communication has become the norm, journalists and civil society members face an unprecedented threat: spyware. A recent revelation by WhatsApp has brought this issue to the forefront, as the messaging app confirmed that nearly 100 journalists and civil society members were targeted by spyware developed by Israel-based company Paragon Solutions. This alarming development has sparked a global campaign led by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) to counter surveillance on journalists and the media.

The IFJ's project on the surveillance of journalists, launched in October 2024, aims to develop tools and education materials to help journalists protect their materials and resources. The project also seeks to develop an international policy and guidelines for the sales and use of surveillance technologies. Journalists who have been notified by WhatsApp that their devices were breached are encouraged to contact [email protected] in confidence.

Francesco Cancellato, an Italian investigative journalist and director of news outlet Fanpage, was the first journalist to make his case public on 31 January. WhatsApp sent a notification to the journalist confirming that his device had been compromised. In June 2024, Fanpage reporters went undercover and exposed the youth wing of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy, engaging in fascist chants.

The company is currently notifying, via WhatsApp, those users whose devices may have been infected. The IFJ's project on the surveillance of journalists is part of a global project that began in October 2024, which is being carried out by a global consortium led by the BBC Media Action and funded by the European Commission.

Countering the surveillance of journalists has become one of the IFJ's priorities following a surge in spying on reporters in recent years. The IFJ's General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, stated, "We strongly condemn the spying on journalists and civil society actors, which violates national laws. These practices are designed to intimidate and undermine the work of journalists and the media. If Meta knows who stands behind these atrocities, it must disclose this information to uphold accountability."

The Graphite spyware incident, which targeted journalists and civil society members, has significant potential long-term implications for their trust and security in digital communication platforms. The erosion of trust in digital communication platforms, increased caution and self-censorship, heightened awareness of digital security, and potential impact on source confidentiality are all potential consequences of this incident. To mitigate these risks, journalists and civil society members should prioritize digital security and adopt appropriate measures to protect their communications and data.

In conclusion, the global fight against spyware is a critical battle for journalists and civil society members. The IFJ's campaign to counter surveillance on journalists is a crucial step in protecting the integrity and security of digital communication platforms. As the threat of spyware continues to evolve, it is essential for journalists and civil society members to remain vigilant and adapt their digital security practices accordingly.