A coalition of civil society and journalists’ organizations has called on the European Union to take decisive action against the circulation and use of spyware. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, they outlined their demands for the upcoming EU legislative term, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive ban on the production, sale, and use of such technologies, along with the implementation of robust safeguards against surveillance.
The coalition’s statement underscores that spyware threatens the fundamental right to privacy for EU citizens. It also highlights the broader implications for democracy, noting that the use of spyware can undermine independent decision-making, journalism, and activism. The coalition voiced concerns that the recently adopted European Media Freedom Act does not adequately address the increasing surveillance of journalists and public figures. They therefore urge the European Commission to propose a new legal framework to regulate these issues.
Additionally, the coalition calls for the effective implementation of existing rules, such as the Dual-Use Regulation. This regulation governs dual-use technologies which can be utilized for both civilian and potentially harmful applications. Enforcement of these rules, they argue, is crucial to preventing the misuse of technology in ways that contravene human rights and privacy.
The use of spyware by governments in Europe and globally has been on the rise, often at the expense of fundamental freedoms. The Pegasus spyware, prominently mentioned in their statement, has been used by several EU member states for unlawful surveillance of press officers, human rights defenders, and politicians. This has spurred calls from entities such as the European Data Protection Supervisor and various experts organizations for a ban on the use of such spyware due to its human rights implications.
For more in-depth coverage of this issue, see the detailed report on JURIST.