Revealing the Sinister Reach: ‘Predator Files’ Expose Brazen Spyware Targeting

Major Investigation Reveals Widespread Use of Spyware Targeting Civil Society

A major investigation by Amnesty International has uncovered shocking spyware attacks targeting civil society, journalists, politicians, and academics in the European Union (EU), USA, and Asia. The investigation, part of the ‘Predator Files’ project, conducted in partnership with the European Investigative Collaborations (EIC), exposes the use of invasive spyware tool called Predator, developed and sold by the Intellexa alliance. The targets of this cyber-surveillance weapon range from United Nations officials to Senators, Congressmen, and even Presidents. The revelation raises serious concerns about privacy, human rights, and good governance.

An Unprecedented Wave of Attacks

Amnesty International’s Security Lab has been investigating the Predator spyware and its connection to the Intellexa alliance for quite some time. During the investigation, the Security Lab identified an attacker-controlled Twitter account, ‘@Joseph_Gordon16,’ sharing attack links designed to infect targets with the Predator spyware. At least 50 accounts belonging to 27 individuals and 23 institutions were targeted using social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook between February and June 2023.

The targets of these attacks include high-profile individuals such as the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-Wen, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, U.S. Senator John Hoeven, the German Ambassador to the United States, Emily Haber, and French MEP Pierre Karleskind. Many other officials, academics, and institutions were also targeted.

Spyware‘s Unrestricted Invasion of Privacy

Predator spyware is classified as highly invasive, granting unfettered access to a device’s microphone, camera, and all its data, including contacts, messages, photos, and videos, without the user’s knowledge. What makes it more concerning is the fact that such spyware cannot currently be audited or limited in its functionality. This lack of control and oversight raises questions about the ethical implications of using such tools.

Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard stated, “Yet again, we have evidence of powerful surveillance tools being used in brazen attacks. The victims are all of us, our societies, good governance, and everyone’s human rights.”

The Need for Regulation and Action

The investigation revealed the presence of Intellexa alliance products in at least 25 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. These products have been used to undermine human rights, press freedom, and social movements globally. Amnesty International is calling for immediate action, urging states to revoke all marketing and export licenses issued to the Intellexa alliance and conduct independent investigations into the extent of unlawful targeting.

In addition, Amnesty International highlights the need for a regulatory framework that respects human rights when it comes to the development and sale of invasive spyware. Furthermore, victims of unlawful surveillance should be provided with adequate compensation and redress.

A Call for a Global Ban

Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard emphasizes the urgency of a worldwide ban on highly invasive spyware. She points out that the Intellexa alliance, who developed the Predator spyware, has failed to limit its usage or consider the serious human rights implications associated with it.

Though the alliance claims to be European-based and regulated, the investigation reveals that EU member states and institutions have not effectively prevented the reach of these surveillance products. The fact that even EU officials and institutions have fallen victim to these attacks highlights the need for immediate action and stricter regulations.

Connecting the Dots: Predatory Attacks and Governments

The investigation has also uncovered evidence linking the Predator attack infrastructure to the government of Vietnam. A Twitter account associated with the attacks, ‘@Joseph_Gordon16,’ had close ties to Vietnam and may have acted on behalf of Vietnamese authorities or interest groups. The Intellexa alliance signed a multi-million euro deal with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security (MOPS) for “infection solutions” in 2020.

Amnesty International’s findings raise concerns about the close alignment between government interests and the targeted attacks. The lack of response and cooperation from the entities involved indicates the need for further investigation and accountability.

Implications for Freedom of the Press and Human Rights

The investigation uncovered an unsuccessful attack on a Berlin-based journalist, Khoa Lê Trung, editor-in-chief of thoibao.de. Khoa has faced death threats over his reporting. The attack, though it failed, highlights the potential harm to the freedom of the press and expression, not only for individuals but also for societies as a whole.

The use of spyware to target journalists, public figures, and intergovernmental officials infringes on everyone’s human rights, undermines democracy, and jeopardizes good governance. These attacks must serve as a wake-up call for governments, tech companies, and civil society to take immediate action to protect privacy, freedom of the press, and human rights.

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