Paragon, a spyware maker, accused the Italian government of refusing its assistance in an investigation regarding potential spyware abuse against a journalist, leading the company to sever ties with its Italian clients. This marks a significant development, as it is the first instance of a spyware provider publicly discontinuing contracts over abuse allegations. The scandal first surfaced in January when WhatsApp revealed a mass-hacking campaign that targeted its users with Paragon's technology, including journalist Francesco Cancellato, who was alerted by WhatsApp about being targeted.
Paragon accused the Italian government of refusing its help in investigating whether a journalist was spied on with its technology.
This is the first time a spyware provider has publicly stated it cut ties with a specific customer after reports of abuse.
Paragon confirmed to TechCrunch that the statement was accurate, addressing the refusal of Italian authorities to investigate their technology.
Francesco Cancellato, the director of news website Fanpage, was the journalist who first revealed receiving WhatsApp's notification about being targeted.
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