Spyware from U.S.-backed Israeli firm Paragon was used to target European journalists.
The spyware, known as Graphite, was found to have targeted at least three European journalists, raising concerns over privacy and abuse of commercial spyware.
The European Union expressed concern and promised to ensure the enforcement of EU law to protect citizens' data rights.
WhatsApp users across more than two dozen countries were targeted by the spyware, but the vulnerability has been patched.
Citizen Lab's research shows that Paragon's software could infect devices without user interaction, similar to the infamous Pegasus spyware.
The Italian parliamentary committee confirmed the surveillance of activists using the spyware, but claimed it was legal and authorized.
Paragon has faced reputational risks due to its connections with both the Italian government and U.S. contracts, including those with the Department of Homeland Security.
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