Pegasus, a highly intrusive surveillance tool developed by Israel’s NSO Group, has become emblematic of the growing clash between state surveillance capabilities and the right to digital privacy. Since its discovery in 2016, the spyware has triggered worldwide alarm due to its stealthy operations and the breadth of its potential for misuse.
Established in 2010, NSO Group presents itself as a cybersecurity firm aiding governments in lawful efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime. Its signature product, Pegasus, exemplifies a new era in spyware. The software can covertly infiltrate smartphones, often without any input from the device owner. Once embedded, it grants the operator access to a wide array of personal data, from text messages and call logs to microphone recordings and content within encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Signal.
