Research suggests that Australian government agencies may consider using Israeli spyware technology

According to a new report, Australian government agencies could potentially be customers of military-grade spyware from Israeli company Paragon Solutions.

Earlier this year, Meta disclosed that over 90 individuals, including journalists, were targeted on WhatsApp using this software, although it remains uncertain if Australians were among the targets.

In reports released by Citizen Lab on Wednesday, two Australian IP addresses were identified as potential users of Paragon’s spyware tools. Citizen Lab managed to map out Paragon’s server infrastructure based on tips they received.

The spyware allows access to messaging apps on users’ devices and is exclusively sold to governments worldwide, not to private entities.

The Australian domains mentioned in the report do not have a history of previous ownership according to WHOIS domain searches. These domains could potentially be utilized by federal or state agencies, although sources indicate that Paragon Solutions is not linked to the Ministry of Interior or Australia’s Signals Bureau.

When questioned about Australian customers or the targeting of Australians, Paragon did not provide direct answers to these queries.

John Fleming, the executive chairman of the company, stated, “Paragon’s ultimate goal is to aid national security and law enforcement in combating serious crimes and terrorism within the boundaries of the law, while also considering privacy implications. They ensure that customers operate within legal frameworks and enforce strict rules against misuse.”

A recent report from Citizen Lab followed Meta’s announcement in January that journalists and civil society members were targeted on WhatsApp using spyware owned by Paragon Solutions.

Meta sent a cease and desist letter to Paragon and explored legal actions against them after the incident.

Meta declined to comment further when asked if Australians were among the targets.

Italian investigative journalist Francesco Cancerato uncovered a young fascist within the far-right party of Italian Prime Minister Giogia Meloni after receiving alerts from WhatsApp regarding the attack.

Following this revelation, Paragon Solutions terminated its contract with Italy. Meloni’s office denied any involvement by the national intelligence agency or government in alleged violations against journalists and activists.

Citizen Lab, headquartered at the University of Toronto, specializes in research on cyber and surveillance technologies.