Spyware developed by Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company backed by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak and with U.S. government contracts, was used to target the phones of at least three prominent journalists in Europe, including two editors at the Italian investigative site Fanpage.it, according to digital researchers at Citizen Lab.

The Independent reported that the findings raise concerns about potential abuse of commercial spyware in democratic countries and questions about Italy’s government role under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“Any attempts to illegally access data of citizens, including journalists and political opponents, is unacceptable, if confirmed,” the European Commission said.

Paragon’s spyware, Graphite, is highly stealthy, infecting devices without user interaction and allowing covert access to encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Signal. Meta, owner of WhatsApp, confirmed the vulnerability has been patched and has sent Paragon a cease-and-desist letter.

Italian officials say surveillance of activists was authorized and legal, denying illegal spying on journalists. Paragon and Italy say they have ended their relationship, though accounts differ on the details. Meanwhile, Paragon continues to hold contracts with U.S. agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Read the full story at The Independent.