Italian Lawmakers Demand Answers Amid Alleged Government Spyware Use

Rome, July 5, 2025 — Italian lawmakers have officially pressed the government for answers after reports surfaced that journalists may have been surveilled using spyware from U.S.-based firm Paragon.The COPASIR parliamentary security committee, responsible for intelligence oversight, has sent formal questions to Cabinet Under‑Secretary Alfredo Mantovano—an ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and overseer of intelligence affairs—seeking clarity on whether press figures were specifically targeted .The inquiry follows a months-long controversy after Meta revealed that around 90 WhatsApp users were targeted with Paragon spyware in January, some of whom were later identified as Italians . Additionally, reports from Citizen Lab uncovered that investigative journalists Ciro Pellegrino and Francesco Cancellato of the outlet Fanpage received device compromise alerts—alerting to potential intrusion attempts .Although COPASIR’s June report confirmed that Italian domestic and foreign intelligence had contracts with Paragon—and used its tools under court sanction to monitor migrant rescue NGO members—no concrete evidence was found linking spyware use against Cancellato . The report, however, notably omitted mention of Pellegrino and other journalists not yet referenced .Italian authorities and Paragon have since ended their contract following public outcry. The government maintains that any intelligence monitoring was lawful and narrowly targeted .But mounting concern from both lawmakers and the press is increasing pressure on the government. The COPASIR committee’s letter underscores demands for transparency—calling for information on specific journalists or press organizations under surveillance, the legal basis for any such operations, and confirmation of Mantovano’s authorization .Opposition parties are seizing on the scandal, arguing it undermines press freedom. Noted among the potential victims is Roberto D’Agostino, founder of the political gossip site Dagospia, whose phone is reportedly among those under judicial investigation for unauthorized access .Italian prosecutors in Rome and Naples have expanded investigations to include allegations of hacking targeting seven individuals, including prominent journalists and activists .What’s at stake: • Press freedom and privacy: Critics warn that using mercenary spyware to surveil journalists is dangerous territory in a democracy. • Intelligence oversight: COPASIR’s role is under the spotlight—will its probe be thorough enough to uncover any misuse? • Political accountability: The ruling government must demonstrate whether safeguards were followed—or whether its actions crossed ethical or legal lines.As political tensions mount in Rome, the COPASIR letter is expected to trigger inquiries that will test the Italian government’s commitment to transparency, legal oversight, and democratic principles.