According to a media report, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) bought the controversial Israeli spy software Pegasus from the NSO Group in order to monitor suspects.
As “Zeit Online” reported on Tuesday, citing joint research with the “Süddeutscher Zeitung” as well as NDR and WDR, the BKA procured the software at the end of 2019 despite concerns from lawyers in the authority and the Federal Ministry of the Interior. On Tuesday, the federal government wanted to inform the Interior Committee of the German Bundestag about this.
With Pegasus all data can be read out from cell phones attacked with it. The software is also able to switch on the device’s camera and microphone unnoticed.
German law only allows such monitoring within narrow limits, which is why, according to the report, a Pegasus version that does not contain all functions is said to have been purchased. However, it is unclear how it was ensured that the other functions remain switched off.
In July, research by an international journalist consortium revealed the extensive misuse of the software. Hundreds of journalists, activists and opposition figures around the world have apparently been victims of wiretapping. Secret services and police authorities in several countries are said to have used the Pegasus software offered by NSO to tap into the mobile phones of those affected. (AFP)
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