Jerusalem: Amid widespread criticism over the Pegasus espionage case, Israel has set up a committee to review allegations of misuse of the NSO group’s surveillance software, as well as hinting at a “possible review of the entire licensing issue”. Have given. The alleged use of Pegasus software to spy on journalists, human rights advocates, politicians, and others in countries including India has raised concerns about privacy issues.
According to the International Media Association, politicians, rights activists, and journalists were targeted through phone spyware sold by the Israeli company to various governments. “The defense establishment has appointed a review committee with the help of several bodies,” the head of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) Ram Ben Barak told Army Radio on Thursday. “When they complete their review, we will ask to see the results and brainstorm whether we need to improve,” said Ben Barak, who formerly served as deputy head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency.
He said Israel’s priority is “to review the entire licensing process.” Former NSO executive Shelev Hulio welcomed the move and told Army Radio that he would be “very happy if there is an investigation … so that we can drop the charges against ourselves.” Hulio claimed there was an attempt to “smear the entire Israeli cyber industry”. Ben Barak said Pegasus helped “bust several terrorist cells” but “
If it is being misused or it is being sold to irresponsible bodies then it is something that needs to be investigated.” The NSO chief told Army Radio that his company could not disclose the details of its contracts due to “privacy issues” but “will provide full transparency to any government seeking more information.”
