AI-enabled spyware used to monitor journalists in Italy

What happened

Prosecutors in Naples and Rome indicated that intrusions occurred on the same day, targeting Francesco Cancellato, director of Fanpage, and staff at Mediterranea.

Reported impact

Journalists and civil society workers were illegally monitored through the use of AI-enabled spyware.

Classification

Organizations

Fanpage (victim), Mediterranea (victim), AI Security Institute

Category

Privacy and surveillance

Industry

Digital security

Country

Italy

Harm status

Actual harm

Intent

Unknown

Timing

Unknown

Harm types

Human or fundamental rights

Harmed

Civil society

Consequences

Regulatory investigation

AI systems

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Sources and evidence

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