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Summary
- Pegasus is a software developed by the Israeli cybersecurity firm NSO Group.
- NSO group has said that it developed the software to fight terrorism.
- US officials have claimed that the spyware was used by the authoritarian regime to silence dissent.
In a world driven by technological advancements, several opportunities and challenges come along the way. Technology has both pros and cons; and sometimes the cons overpower. Thus, stringent policies are needed to safeguard the running systems globally.
The debate on the subject erupted earlier this year when Pegasus, a spyware software tapped on the news headlines for allegedly surveilling people across borders. It was disclosed that the software is allegedly used by authoritarian regimes worldwide to spy on journalists, activists, and opposition leaders.
Functioning of Pegasus & its father organisation
Pegasus is a software developed by the Israeli cybersecurity firm NSO Group. It was developed under the tag of “world leading cyber intelligence solution.” The software can get access to the target's messages, files and images, and locations on the smartphones.
NSO group has said that it developed the software to fight terrorism. Governments around the globe can use the software if they want to trap any malicious activities in their respective countries. However, the recent reports suggest that the software is now being used for unfair purposes.
ALSO READ: Explaining Project Pegasus: What you need to know about snooping right under your nose
So, what happened earlier that led the US administration to put sanctions on the NSO Group?
In July a consortium of media houses covered the news of “Project Pegasus.” It was thus revealed that the spyware was used by 50 countries to spy on people. It is understood that countries can use the software if someone threatens their national sovereignty. However, it came out that it was rather used on journalists, political rivals, and activists worldwide.
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What has the USA claimed before putting sanctions on the NSO Group?
US officials have claimed that the spyware was used by the authoritarian regime to silence dissent. The regulators have said that the spyware was used by governments for “transnational repression” by spying on journalists, activists and others living beyond their geographical boundaries.
Implications of the sanction
The US putting sanctions on the NSO Group implies that the organisation is now added to US’s “entity list,” which means NSO Group will be restricted to access any technology and information transfer from the US-based organisations and researchers. The US Commerce Department has strictly said that it forbids all those organisations that deploy technologies for “malicious activities.”
GOOD WATCH: Tech Beat || How to keep your devices safe from Spyware like Pegasus?
Bottom line
The NSO Group has responded saying that Pegasus is strictly used by governments to fight terrorism. It further added that it will try to reverse the US decision inflicting the sanctions. So, conclusively, Pegasus will remain in news for the coming months until it is crystal clear whether the software is only used to fight terrorism or is it used for malicious activities worldwide.
