nos.nl
Eleven in Netherlands Targeted by Pegasus Spyware
Eleven people in the Netherlands were victims of the Israeli spyware Pegasus, revealed in a US lawsuit; this is the second-highest number in Europe after Spain, raising concerns about misuse of the technology beyond its intended anti-terrorism purpose.
- How many people in the Netherlands were victims of the Pegasus spyware, and what specific data was accessed?
- Eleven people in the Netherlands were victims of the Israeli spyware Pegasus, according to a list submitted in a US lawsuit. This reveals the extent of the issue in the Netherlands for the first time. The spyware can access various phone data, including messages, location, and media.
- What is the broader context of this case, considering the global use of Pegasus and similar spyware against journalists and activists?
- The Netherlands has the second highest number of Pegasus victims in Europe (after Spain), indicating widespread use of the software. The spyware's use against journalists and activists raises concerns about its misuse beyond its intended purpose of fighting terrorism and serious crime.
- What are the implications of this incident for the future regulation and oversight of spyware technology, given the potential for misuse and human rights violations?
- The revelation highlights the potential for abuse of powerful spyware, even by state actors. Future investigations should focus on identifying those responsible for the spying in the Netherlands and determining whether similar incidents have occurred.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately highlight the number of victims in the Netherlands, emphasizing the scale of the issue. While the article does mention other countries, particularly Spain and Mexico, the focus remains on the Dutch case, potentially influencing reader perception of the relative importance of the issue in different regions. The inclusion of the WhatsApp lawsuit, although relevant, might steer the reader's focus towards that legal battle over the broader implications of the spyware's use.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual. There's no evidence of loaded terminology or subjective phrasing. The article uses terms like "spionage software" and "hacken" (Dutch for "to hack") which are fairly neutral.
Bias by Omission
The article omits the identities of the 11 individuals in the Netherlands affected by the Pegasus spyware and the entities behind the spying. While acknowledging that foreign attacks are possible, this omission hinders a full understanding of the scale and impact of the issue within the Netherlands. Further, the article does not detail the specific methods used beyond mentioning the exploitation of a WhatsApp vulnerability. The lack of details regarding legal proceedings in the Netherlands and any governmental responses also limits the complete picture.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that the spyware's use is limited to combating terrorism and serious crime, while simultaneously presenting evidence of its use against journalists, lawyers, politicians, and activists. This simplification overlooks the complexity of the issue and the potential for misuse beyond its intended purpose.
Sustainable Development Goals
The use of Pegasus spyware against individuals in the Netherlands, potentially including journalists, activists, and politicians, undermines the rule of law, privacy rights, and democratic processes. The lack of transparency surrounding the surveillance raises concerns about accountability and the potential for abuse of power. This directly impacts SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.