Thailand protests: Israeli spyware used to target activists and lawyers, report finds
- NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware was found on phones and devices belonging to Thai activists, their lawyers, scholars and members of civil society groups
- Cybersecurity researchers say it was most likely used by the government in Bangkok as part of ‘efforts to suppress Thai calls for democratic reforms’
Investigators of the cybersecurity research groups Citizen Lab and iLaw found that at least 30 individuals – including activists, scholars and people working with civil society groups – were targeted for surveillance with Pegasus, spyware produced by Israel-based cybersecurity company NSO Group.
Those whose devices were attacked were either involved in the pro-democracy protests that took place between 2020 and 2021, or were publicly critical of the Thai monarchy. The two groups said lawyers who defended the activists also were under such digital surveillance.
The Pegasus spyware is known for “zero-click exploits” which means it can be installed remotely onto a target’s phone, without the target having to click any links or download software.
NSO Group’s products, including the Pegasus software, are typically licensed only to government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to investigate terrorism and serious crime, according to the company’s website.
The company has defended its business in the face of multiple legal challenges, saying its decisions on sales undergo a rigorous ethical vetting process.
The reports by Citizen Lab and iLaw do not accuse any specific government actor but say the use of Pegasus indicates the presence of a government operator.