An Analysis of Pegasus Software’s Surveillance of Journalists in India

Proceedings of The 8th International Academic Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences

Year: 2023

DOI:

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An Analysis of Pegasus Software’s Surveillance of Journalists in India

Mujtaba Haris, PhD

 

 

ABSTRACT: 

Concerns over possible abuses of human rights and invasions of privacy have grown in recent years in connection to the use of surveillance technology for monitoring persons. This issue has been brought to light by the current investigation into the use of Pegasus software in India, which has revealed evidence indicating that at least 40 Indian journalists have been targeted using the malware, which may violate their rights to press freedom and privacy. The Pegasus spyware, created by the Israeli technology company NSO Group, has been at the heart of controversy in recent years owing to its claimed usage by numerous governments to monitor journalists, activists, and political opponents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the Pegasus malware on human rights and democracy, as well as the difficulties connected with regulating spyware and government monitoring. Examining a variety of case studies and reports pertaining to the Pegasus malware, this research applies a single technique of qualitative secondary data analysis, especially theme analysis. The results imply that the deployment of the Pegasus spyware has grave consequences for democratic ideals and free expression, and they underline the need for more openness and accountability in government monitoring. In addition, the study examines the role of private enterprises in promoting privacy and security, as well as the possibility of privacy-enhancing technology to mitigate the negative impacts of monitoring. The report closes with policy and practice recommendations, highlighting the necessity for robust legal frameworks and international collaboration to control spyware usage and preserve human rights and democracy.

keywords: Privacy, Spyware, democracy, policy, human rights