The world has expressed serious concerns regarding recent allegations about the Slovak Information Service (SIS) acquiring Pegasus spyware. This development is particularly alarming in the context of Slovakia’s deteriorating democratic environment and the historical misuse of Pegasus in other countries to surveil journalists, human rights activists, and political dissenters. The use of such technology undermines the fundamental principles of democracy.
The Capabilities of Pegasus
Pegasus, developed by the Israeli NSO Group, is a sophisticated spyware capable of infiltrating mobile devices and extracting sensitive information, including messages, contacts, and location data. It can also activate a device’s microphone and camera for real-time surveillance. Once installed, Pegasus operates covertly, making it challenging for users to detect or prevent.
Recent Developments in Slovakia
According to recent reports from Dennik N, the SIS acquired Pegasus during the fourth government of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The spyware has reportedly transitioned from the testing phase to full operational status as of September 2024. Juraj Krúpa, an opposition politician and former chairman of the National Assembly Committee for Defence and Security, has confirmed the presence of “new systems that allow hacking into phones” and warned that SIS’s expanded powers now permit surveillance without court approval.
The Slovak government has yet to officially confirm or deny these allegations, and the SIS has refrained from commenting, citing state secrecy.
Global Concerns about Pegasus
The use of Pegasus has been documented globally, with significant concerns raised by ARTICLE 19:
- Mexico, India, and Saudi Arabia have used the spyware to intimidate and surveil dissenting voices.
- In the European Union, countries like Hungary and Poland have seen Pegasus used against journalists and political figures, prompting calls for investigations and accountability.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has highlighted the “extremely dangerous” implications of Pegasus for human rights, emphasizing the risks to freedom of opinion and expression. Additionally, a 2023 report by the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly revealed that Pegasus has been sold to at least 14 EU countries and called for a moratorium on its use until adequate legal frameworks are established.
The European Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry (PEGA) has found evidence of misuse in Poland, Hungary, and Greece, recommending common EU standards to regulate surveillance tools and addressing deficiencies in EU law related to spyware exports.
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has underscored that the use of Pegasus threatens fundamental rights guaranteed under the EU Charter, such as freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and freedom of association.
Call to Action
The world has long recognized that Pegasus and similar spyware represent severe invasions of privacy, providing unrestricted access to personal communications and sensitive data. This level of surveillance compromises individual privacy and has a chilling effect on freedom of expression and media freedom.
Given the rise of authoritarianism and attacks on journalists, activists, and opposition figures in Slovakia, there is an urgent call for the Slovak Government and the Slovak Information Service (SIS) to immediately cease the use of Pegasus and similar technologies. The current safeguards are insufficient to prevent or address the human rights violations associated with these tools.
There is also a strong call for European institutions and EU member states to implement measures that address the threats posed by spyware. This should include banning the production, sale, and use of spyware that grossly violates human rights and developing comprehensive frameworks to protect privacy and freedom of expression, alongside rigorous accountability mechanisms for state surveillance practices.
As the situation develops, the international community and EU authorities must act decisively to protect democratic values and human rights in the face of advanced surveillance technologies.
