European Parliament Committee calls for Stricter Regulation of Spyware across EU
The PEGA committee in the European Parliament has conducted a year-long investigation into the use of spyware for snooping purposes. The report revealed that spyware such as Pegasus and Predator, used by some European countries to spy on politicians, journalists and citizens, must have stricter regulations.
MEPs argue that spyware is a threat to democracy and should only be used under strict conditions. Any abuse of it undermines democracy in the EU, as well as the rule of law. Governments have a responsibility to counter this by using the software only in very strictly limited conditions to fight terrorism and organised crime.
Recommendations for Five Countries Where Abuse of Spyware has been Identified
The final report includes specific recommendations for five countries where the abuse of spyware has been identified. In Hungary and Poland, the governments have dismantled independent oversight mechanisms and are being asked to restore judicial independence. In Greece, it has been used for political and financial gain. Cyprus is accused of exporting the technology to third countries. And in Spain, the report asks for a fair investigation in 47 cases where it is unclear who authorised the deployment of the spyware.
National Interests Trying to Influence the Investigation
One of the MEPs involved in the investigation revealed that she was pressured by national interests throughout the process. Such interests were attempting to influence, delay and even block the committee’s work.
If the concerned member states do not abide by the new conditions by the end of the year, the European Parliament is calling for the ban of those spyware technologies. Democracy is dead if government critics, opposition politicians, and even members of governing parties are spied on with spyware and then blackmailed.
Conclusion
The report by MEPs highlights the need for stricter regulations on spyware use across the EU. Spyware is a threat to democracy and should only be used under strict conditions to fight terrorism and organised crime.
The report also reveals specific recommendations for countries where the abuse of spyware has been identified. Governments have a responsibility to counter any abuse of spyware. If not, the European Parliament calls for a ban on those spyware technologies. It is crucial to ensure the protection of democracy and the rule of law.
SOURCE: Ref – Aida Sanchez Alonso
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