WhatsApp has accused Israeli firm Paragon of deploying surveillance software against its users, directing affected individuals to Canadian cybersecurity group Citizen Lab for further investigation.
While WhatsApp has not disclosed specific targets, a company official told Reuters that they had “high confidence” the users were targeted and “possibly compromised.” However, they did not elaborate on how they identified Paragon’s involvement. Law enforcement agencies and industry partners have been notified, but no additional details were provided.
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Paragon, known for supplying advanced surveillance tools to government clients, declined to comment on the allegations.
Citizen Lab researcher John Scott-Railton called the discovery a reminder of the growing threat posed by mercenary spyware. Such software, which allows remote access to mobile devices without users’ knowledge, has previously been linked to attacks on journalists, activists, and at least 50 US officials.
The revelation adds to concerns about the unchecked expansion of the commercial spyware industry. Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, developed by NSO Group, has been widely reported in surveillance cases worldwide, with evidence of its use against journalists, activists, and political figures.
Paragon, co-founded by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, was reportedly acquired by US private equity firm AE Industrial Partners for $900 million in 2024. The company claims its tools are designed to combat global threats while adhering to ethical standards.
However, Natalia Krapiva, senior tech-legal counsel at digital rights group Access Now, expressed skepticism. “Paragon was considered a more responsible spyware company, but WhatsApp’s findings suggest otherwise,” she told Reuters.
WhatsApp reaffirmed its commitment to user privacy, stating, “We will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately.”
