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Gmail Users Face a New Dilemma Between AI Features and Data Privacy

 



Google’s Gmail is now offering two new upgrades, but here’s the catch— they don’t work well together. This means Gmail’s billions of users are being asked to pick a side: better privacy or smarter features. And this decision could affect how their emails are handled in the future.

Let’s break it down. One upgrade focuses on stronger protection of your emails, which works like advanced encryption. This keeps your emails private, even Google won’t be able to read them. The second upgrade brings in artificial intelligence tools to improve how you search and use Gmail, promising quicker, more helpful results.

But there’s a problem. If your emails are fully protected, Gmail’s AI tools can’t read them to include in its search results. So, if you choose privacy, you might lose out on the benefits of smarter searches. On the other hand, if you want AI help, you’ll need to let Google access more of your email content.

This challenge isn’t unique to Gmail. Many tech companies are trying to combine stronger security with AI-powered features, but the two don’t always work together. Apple tried solving this with a system that processes data securely on your device. However, delays in rolling out their new AI tools have made their solution uncertain for now.

Some reports explain the choice like this: if you turn on AI features, Google will use your data to power smart tools. If you turn it off, you’ll have better privacy, but lose some useful options. The real issue is that opting out isn’t always easy. Some settings may remain active unless you manually turn them off, and fully securing your emails still isn’t simple.

Even when extra security is enabled, email systems have limitations. For example, Apple’s iCloud Mail doesn’t use full end-to-end encryption because it must work with global email networks. So even private emails may not be completely safe.

This issue goes beyond Gmail. Other platforms are facing similar challenges. WhatsApp, for example, added a privacy mode that blocks saving chats and media, but also limits AI-related features. OpenAI’s ChatGPT can now remember what you told it in past conversations, which may feel helpful but also raises questions about how your personal data is being stored.

In the end, users need to think carefully. AI tools can make email more useful, but they come with trade-offs. Email has never been a perfectly secure space, and with smarter AI, new threats like scams and data misuse may grow. That’s why it’s important to weigh both sides before making a choice.



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AI Privacy Artificial Intelligence Auto-Saving CyberCrime Cybersecurity CyberThreat Technology WhatsApp

New WhatsApp Feature Allows Users to Control Media Auto-Saving

 


As part of WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its users, a new feature will strengthen the confidential nature of chat histories. The enhancement is part of the platform's overall initiative aimed at increasing privacy safeguards and allowing users to take more control of their messaging experience by strengthening the privacy safeguards. This upcoming feature offers advanced settings which allow individuals to control how their conversations are stored, accessed, and used, providing a deeper level of protection against unauthorized access to their communications. 

As WhatsApp refines its privacy architecture, it aims to meet the evolving expectations of its users about data security while strengthening their trust in it at the same time. WhatsApp's strategy of focusing on user-centric innovation reflects its focus on ensuring communication remains seamless as well as secure in an increasingly digital world, which is the reason for this development. As part of its continued effort to improve digital safety, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that is aimed at protecting the privacy of conversations of its users.

With the launch of this initiative, the platform is highlighting its evolving approach to data security to create a user-friendly, secure messaging environment. As part of this new development, users will be able to customize how their chat data is handled within the app through a set of refined privacy controls. By allowing individuals to customize their privacy preferences, rather than relying solely on default settings, they will be able to tailor their privacy preferences specifically to meet their communication needs.

By using this approach, people are minimizing the risk that users will experience unauthorized access, and some are also enhancing transparency in how data is managed on their platform. In line with the broader shift toward ensuring users are more autonomous in protecting their digital interactions, these improvements are aligned with a greater industry shift. With WhatsApp's strong balance between usability and robust privacy standards, it continues to position itself as a leader in secure communication.

As social media becomes an increasingly integral part of our daily lives, it continues to prioritize the delivery of tools that prioritize the trust and resilience of its users as well as their technological abilities. During the coming months, WhatsApp plans on introducing a new feature that will allow users to take control over how recipients handle their shared content. 

There was a time when media files sent through the platform were automatically saved to the recipient's device, but now with this upcoming change, users will have the option of preventing others from automatically saving the media that they send—which will make it easier to maintain their privacy, whether it be in one-to-one or group conversations. This new functionality extends similar privacy protections to regular chats and their associated media, as well as disappearing messages. 

It will also be a great idea for users to activate the feature to get additional security precautions, such as a restriction on exporting complete chat histories from conversations where the setting is enabled. Even though the feature does not prevent individuals from forwarding individual messages, it does set stronger limits on the ability to share and archive entire conversations. 

By making this change to the privacy setting, users can limit the reach of their content while still having the flexibility to use the messaging experience as freely as possible. Another interesting aspect of this update is how it interacts with artificial intelligence software. When the advanced privacy setting is enabled, participants of that conversation will not be able to make use of Meta AI features within the chat when this setting is enabled.

It seems that this inclusion indicates an underlying commitment to enhancing data protection and ethical AI integration. The feature is still in the development stage, and WhatsApp is expected to refine and expand its capabilities in advance of its official release. Once it is released, it will remain an optional feature, which users will be able to choose to enable or disable based on their personal preferences. 

In addition to its ongoing improvements to the calling features of WhatsApp, it is rumoured that the company will launch a new privacy-focused tool to give users more control over how their media is shared. As a matter of tradition, the platform has always defaulted to store pictures and videos sent to users on their devices, and this default behaviour has created ongoing concerns about data privacy, data protection, and the safety of digital devices. 

WhatsApp has responded to this problem by allowing senders to decide whether the media they share can be saved by the recipient. Using this feature, WhatsApp introduces a new level of content ownership by giving the sender the ability to decide whether or not their message should be saved. The setting is presented in the chat interface as a toggle option, and functions similarly to the existing Disappearing Messages feature. 

In addition, WhatsApp has also developed a system to limit the automatic storage of files that are shared during a typical conversation. By doing so, WhatsApp hopes to reduce the risk of sensitive content being accidentally stored on unauthorized devices, shared further without consent, or stored on devices that are not properly secured. A user in an era when data is becoming increasingly vulnerable will certainly appreciate this additional control, which is particularly useful for users who handle confidential, personal or time-sensitive information. 

In addition to presently being in beta testing, this update is part of WhatsApp's overall strategy to roll out improvements in user-centred privacy in phases. Although the beta program will expand to a wider audience within the next few weeks, users enrolled in the beta program are the first ones to have access to the feature. To ensure early access to new functionalities, WhatsApp encourages users to keep their app up to date so that they can explore the latest privacy tools. 

To push users for greater privacy, WhatsApp has developed an advanced chat protection tool that goes beyond controlling media downloads to strengthen the user experience. In terms of data retention and third-party access, this upcoming functionality is intended to give users a greater sense of control over how they manage their conversations. 

By focusing on features that restrict how chats can be saved and exported, the platform aims to create an environment that is both safe and respectful for its users. The restriction of exporting entire chat histories is an important part of this update. This setting is activated when users enable the feature. 

Once users activate this setting, recipients will not be able to export conversations that include messages from users whose settings have been enabled by this feature. This restriction aims to prevent the wholesale sharing of private information by preventing concerns over unauthorized data transfers. However, the inability to send individual messages will continue to be allowed, however, the inability to export full conversations will ensure that long-form chats remain confidential, particularly those that contain sensitive or personal material. 

In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence tools is significantly limited because of this feature, which introduces an important limitation. As long as advanced chat privacy is enabled, neither the sender nor the recipient will be able to interact with Meta AI within a conversation when it is active. The restriction represents a larger shift towards cautious and intentional AI implementation, ensuring that private interactions are left safe from automating or analyzing them without the need for human intervention. 

 The feature, which is still under development, may require further refinements before it becomes widely available, but when it becomes widely available, it will be offered to users as an opt-in setting, so they have the option to enhance their privacy in any way that they choose.
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WhatsApp Fixes Security Flaw Exploited by Spyware

 



WhatsApp recently fixed a major security loophole that was being used to install spyware on users' devices. The issue, known as a zero-click, zero-day vulnerability, allowed hackers to access phones without the user needing to click on anything. Security experts from the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab uncovered this attack and linked it to Paragon’s spyware, called Graphite.  

The flaw was patched by WhatsApp in late 2023 without requiring users to update their app. The company also chose not to assign a CVE-ID to the vulnerability, as it did not meet specific reporting criteria.  

A WhatsApp spokesperson confirmed that hackers used the flaw to target certain individuals, including journalists and activists. WhatsApp directly reached out to around 90 affected users across multiple countries.  


How the Attack Worked  

Hackers used WhatsApp groups to launch their attacks. They added their targets to a group and sent a malicious PDF file. As soon as the file reached the victim’s phone, the device automatically processed it. This triggered the exploit, allowing the spyware to install itself without any user action.  

Once installed, the spyware could access sensitive data and private messages. It could also move beyond WhatsApp and infect other apps by bypassing Android’s security barriers. This gave attackers complete control over the victim’s device.  


Who Was Targeted?  

According to Citizen Lab, the attack mostly focused on individuals who challenge governments or advocate for human rights. Journalists, activists, and government critics were among the key targets. However, since only 90 people were officially notified by WhatsApp, experts believe the actual number of victims could be much higher.  

Researchers found a way to detect the spyware by analyzing Android device logs. They identified a forensic marker, nicknamed "BIGPRETZEL," that appears on infected devices. However, spotting the spyware is still difficult because Android logs do not always capture all traces of an attack.  


Spyware Linked to Government Agencies  

Citizen Lab also investigated the infrastructure used to operate the spyware. Their research uncovered multiple servers connected to Paragon’s spyware, some of which were linked to government agencies in countries like Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Israel, and Singapore. Many of these servers were rented through cloud platforms or hosted directly by government agencies.  

Further investigation revealed that the spyware's digital certificates contained the name “Graphite” and references to installation servers. This raised concerns about whether Paragon's spyware operates similarly to Pegasus, another surveillance tool known for being used by governments to monitor individuals.  


Who Is Behind Paragon Spyware?  

Paragon Solutions Ltd., the company behind Graphite spyware, is based in Israel. It was founded in 2019 by Ehud Barak, Israel’s former Prime Minister, and Ehud Schneorson, a former commander of Unit 8200, an elite Israeli intelligence unit.  

Paragon claims that it only sells its technology to democratic governments for use by law enforcement agencies. However, reports have shown that U.S. agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have purchased and used its spyware.  

In December 2024, a U.S.-based investment firm, AE Industrial Partners, bought Paragon, further raising questions about its future operations and how its surveillance tools may be used.  


Protecting Yourself from Spyware  

While WhatsApp has fixed this specific security flaw, spyware threats continue to evolve. Users can take the following steps to protect themselves:  

1. Update Your Apps: Always keep your apps updated, as companies frequently release security patches.  

2. Be Cautious of Unknown Files: Never open suspicious PDFs, links, or attachments from unknown sources.  

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts makes it harder for hackers to break in.  

4. Check Your Device Logs: If you suspect spyware, seek professional help to analyze your phone’s activity.  

Spyware attacks are becoming more advanced, and staying informed is key to protecting your privacy. WhatsApp’s quick response to this attack highlights the ongoing battle against cyber threats and the need for stronger security measures.  


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Skype's Role in Popularizing End-to-End Encryption Leaves a Lasting Mark


 

In recent years, Skype has established itself as the most popular online communication platform, and it is nearing its close, marking the end of an era for one of the most popular VoIP services in the world. The first version of Skype was created by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis in 2003 to create a platform that would facilitate seamless internet-based communication among users. When Skype was founded in 2003, it revolutionized digital communication by pioneering video conferencing, instant messaging, and setting the foundation for the modern virtual world. 

As its name implies, Skype pioneered several innovations that revolutionized digital communication. Originally designed for voice calls using peer-to-peer technology, it enabled users to make low cost or free calls from the comfort of their own homes. By removing long-distance costs and allowing users to communicate globally even through cheap long-distance calls, Skype revolutionized digital communication, making global connectivity more accessible by eliminating the high costs associated with long-distance calls. It was launched in August 2003, and grew rapidly in popularity over the next few years. 

It should be noted that there is no need to compromise the privacy or security of your online conversations by implementing Skype's encryption protocols. This provides significantly greater safety and privacy when communicating online, unlike conventional telephone networks. During its peak, the platform had more than 300 million active users worldwide, establishing itself as an indispensable communication tool for activists, journalists, and individuals who valued confidentiality above all else. 

The security measures in place on the platform were so robust that it was difficult even for intelligence agencies to intercept communications through the platform. Among the most noteworthy aspects of these documents are the difficulties Egyptian intelligence authorities encountered in their attempt to compromise Skype calls, further underlining the platform's reputation for being a safe and reliable medium of communication. However, despite its historical significance, Skype has been facing increasing challenges in maintaining its relevance in the face of a host of more competitive alternatives, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, and Google Meet. 

After Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, its strategic focus has steadily shifted toward Teams and other tools that integrate to become more efficient and effective. Since the platform's user base is shrinking and the needs of the digital communication landscape are changing, it seems that discontinuing Skype seems like a natural progression. As the platform phaseout approaches, not only will it signal the end of an influential platform, but also that communication technologies will continue to evolve to meet the needs of modern connectivity. Almost one decade from now, Skype will cease operations, marking the end of a platform that has significantly shaped global communication. 

In its inception as a basic voice phone service, Skype has evolved into the most widely accepted video conferencing tool on the market. Through the development of Skype, individuals and businesses from around the world have been connected. Despite this, as technology advanced and new communication platforms emerged, Skype faced more competition from more innovative and integrated solutions as the market grew. 

Over the years, Skype's market dominance declined, resulting in losing relevance in the market. Discontinuing the platform signifies the end of one of the most revolutionary platforms to change digital communication in the past few decades, along with the continuing importance of adaptability and innovation to achieve future success. 

The Closure of Skype and the Evolution of Digital Communication


Sadly, the discontinuation of Skype marks the end of an important chapter in the history of digital communication. As a result, businesses and individuals alike will be required to make a large-scale shift as they move to more contemporary platforms that offer advanced features and seamless integration, resulting in a large-scale transition. Corporations need to rapidly adapt by shifting their communication frameworks to alternative services. Microsoft Teams has emerged as one of the most popular options due to its impressive set of collaboration tools, which are designed to meet the dynamic requirements of today's organizations. 

Seeking Alternatives to Skype 


Skype is undoubtedly nearing the end of its lifecycle, so users and organizations are actively looking for alternatives that will meet their communication needs. Microsoft Teams, with its comprehensive and integrated features, is one of the best options. 

As well as this, there are other platforms out there that are also gaining traction, such as Zoom Phone and RingCentral. These platforms offer a wide range of functionalities designed to cater to a variety of business requirements. Each service offers its benefits, allowing users to pick the solution that best matches their operational objectives. 

Skype’s Influence and Enduring Impact

Despite its early beginnings, Skype has played a significant role in shaping the way online communication is shaped ever since it launched in 2003 and was acquired by Microsoft the following year for $8.5 billion, as a widely recognized platform that helps facilitate virtual interactions all over the world. 

While Skype has continuously improved its capabilities over the years, it has struggled to remain at the top of an ever-more competitive market. Over the past few years, communication platforms that are more agile and feature-rich have emerged, resulting in Skype's relevance rapidly eroding, eventually leading to its demise. 

The Future of Digital Connectivity


Digital communication is constantly evolving. Platforms that seamlessly integrate messaging, voice, video, and collaboration tools are becoming increasingly important as a result of a continuing shift toward mobile-centric solutions and artificial intelligence-driven innovations that offer better user experiences and are more intuitive. 

A sophisticated, adaptive and user-friendly ecosystem will be the hallmark of the future of communication as technology advances. This ecosystem will help enhance connectivity, productivity, and security on both a personal and professional level. Government agencies have employed a variety of methods to monitor Skype users throughout the world. 

There was a bug in Skype that, according to Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, allowed Chinese authorities to intercept messages in China. At the time, Tom-Skype, a joint venture between a local telecommunication provider and eBay, which owned Skype at the time, operated under Chinese authorities. 

As a result of Edward Snowden's leak of documents, it has become clear that Microsoft had modified Skype so that it would give the NSA access to calls and messages, undermining their encryption. It is expected that Skype will close on May 5, 2025 due to Microsoft's decision to shut down the platform, making it irrelevant with just 36 million users in 2023, far under its peak user base of 300 million. While its legacy still exists through the use of encryption technologies that continue to secure modern communication platforms, it has endured through the years.
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Frances Proposes Law Requiring Tech Companies to Provide Encrypted Data


Law demanding companies to provide encrypted data

New proposals in the French Parliament will mandate tech companies to give decrypted messages, email. If businesses don’t comply, heavy fines will be imposed.

France has proposed a law requiring end-to-end encryption messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, and encrypted email services like Proton Mail to give law enforcement agencies access to decrypted data on demand. 

The move comes after France’s proposed “Narcotraffic” bill, asking tech companies to hand over encrypted chats of suspected criminals within 72 hours. 

The law has stirred debates in the tech community and civil society groups because it may lead to building of “backdoors” in encrypted devices that can be abused by threat actors and state-sponsored criminals.

Individuals failing to comply will face fines of €1.5m and companies may lose up to 2% of their annual world turnover in case they are not able to hand over encrypted communications to the government.

Criminals will exploit backdoors

Few experts believe it is not possible to bring backdoors into encrypted communications without weakening their security. 

According to Computer Weekly’s report, Matthias Pfau, CEO of Tuta Mail, a German encrypted mail provider, said, “A backdoor for the good guys only is a dangerous illusion. Weakening encryption for law enforcement inevitably creates vulnerabilities that can – and will – be exploited by cyber criminals and hostile foreign actors. This law would not just target criminals, it would destroy security for everyone.”

Researchers stress that the French proposals aren’t technically sound without “fundamentally weakening the security of messaging and email services.” Similar to the “Online Safety Act” in the UK, the proposed French law exposes a serious misunderstanding of the practical achievements with end-to-end encrypted systems. Experts believe “there are no safe backdoors into encrypted services.”

Use of spyware may be allowed

The law will allow using infamous spywares such as NSO Group’s Pegasus or Pragon that will enable officials to remotely surveil devices. “Tuta Mail has warned that if the proposals are passed, it would put France in conflict with European Union laws, and German IT security laws, including the IT Security Act and Germany’s Telecommunications Act (TKG) which require companies to secure their customer’s data,” reports Computer Weekly.

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WhatsApp Alerts Users About a Dangerous Zero-Click Spyware Attack

 


WhatsApp has warned users about a highly advanced hacking attack that infected nearly 90 people across 24 countries. Unlike traditional cyberattacks that rely on tricking victims into clicking malicious links, this attack used zero-click spyware, meaning the targets were hacked without taking any action.  


What Happened?

Hackers exploited a security vulnerability in WhatsApp to send malicious documents to the victims’ devices. These documents contained spyware that could take control of the phone without the user clicking or opening anything.  

According to reports, the attack was linked to Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company that develops spyware for government agencies. While governments claim such tools help in law enforcement and national security, they have also been misused to spy on journalists, activists, and members of civil society.  


Who Was Targeted?

The specific names of the victims have not been disclosed, but reports confirm that journalists and human rights advocates were among those affected. Many of them were based in European nations, but the attack spread across multiple regions.  

WhatsApp acted quickly to disrupt the attack and alerted the affected users. It also referred them to Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity research group that investigates digital threats.  


What is a Zero-Click Attack?  

A zero-click attack is a form of cyberattack where hackers do not need the victim to click, open, or download anything. Instead, the attack exploits weaknesses in apps or operating systems, allowing spyware to be installed silently.  

Unlike phishing attacks that trick users into clicking harmful links, zero-click attacks bypass user interaction completely, making them much harder to detect or prevent.  


How Dangerous Is This Spyware? 

Once installed, the spyware can:  

1. Access private messages, calls, and photos  

2. Monitor activities and track location  

3. Activate the microphone or camera to record conversations  

4. Steal sensitive personal data

Cybersecurity experts warn that such spyware can be used for mass surveillance, threatening privacy and security worldwide.  


Who is Behind the Attack?  

WhatsApp has linked the spyware to Paragon Solutions, but has not revealed how this conclusion was reached. Authorities and cybersecurity professionals are now investigating further.  


How to Stay Safe from Spyware Attacks

While zero-click attacks are difficult to prevent, you can reduce the risk by:  

1. Keeping Your Apps Updated – Always update WhatsApp and your phone’s operating system to patch security flaws.  

2. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – This adds an extra layer of security to your account.  

3. Being Cautious with Unknown Messages – While this attack required no interaction, remaining alert can help protect against similar threats.  

4. Using Encrypted and Secure Apps – Apps with end-to-end encryption, like WhatsApp and Signal, make it harder for hackers to steal data.  

5. Monitoring Unusual Phone Activity – If your phone suddenly slows down, heats up, or experiences rapid battery drain, it may be infected. Run a security scan immediately.  

This WhatsApp attack is a reflection of the growing threats posed by spyware. As hacking methods become more advanced and harder to detect, users must take steps to protect their digital privacy. WhatsApp’s quick response limited the damage, but the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures to prevent such attacks in the future.


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The Rising Problem of Banking Scams in East India

The Rising Problem of Banking Scams in East India

Currently, India is battling with a fake banking applications spoofing genuine institutions to loot credentials and money.

The scale of the campaign is massive, impacting around 900 different malware samples linked to more than 1000 different contact numbers used to commit frauds/scams. Experts from Zimperium found that malware was hiding in apps that imitiate financial institutions worth billion-dollars, aimed to target common man in India. 

The rise of banking scams in East India

Throughout India, majority of the people have been getting WhatsApp messages containing malicious Android Package Kit (APK) files. When downloaded, these malicious files change into  fake apps spoofing one or multiple banks- ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI) and more. 

The apps demand targets to provide their personal financial info- this includes ATM PINs, debit/credit card numbers and PAN card deta- used for different government and financial reasons, for instance, opening a bank account or paying taxes- adhar card. 

Stealing confidential info

To let hackers get access into victims' bank accounts, the malware hacks one-time passwords and resends them either to a threat actor-controlled phone number or C3 servers operating on Firebase. 

Additionally, the malware uses stealth and anti-analysis measures such as "packing," where the malware is hidden, compressed, and encrypted in ways that its almost impossible to notice them. It self installs by exploiting accessibility service, and get all required permissions on users' devices by just poking a user to careless click "Allow" when the malware asks nicely. 

Zimperium chief scientist Nico Chiaraviglio says "since we don't see the app, it's not easy to uninstall it." He adds "you [have to deal with the] higher permissions. So if you want to uninstall the app, the device will say you cannot install it because it's a system app. You basically need to connect the phone to a computer and uninstall it using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It's not something that you can do from a regular user's standpoint."

The success behind scams in India

Dark Reading reports "Phone numbers tied to the campaign lovingly named "FatBoyPanel" have tended to concentrate in eastern states: West Bengal (30.2%), Bihar (22.6%), Jharkjand (10%)."

According to experts, two reasons add to the problem- use of outdated phones in India that aren't equipped with latest updates, and the rise of scammers trapping innocent victims.

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WhatsApp Says Spyware Company Paragon Hacked 90 Users

WhatsApp Says Spyware Company Paragon Hacked 90 Users

Attempts to censor opposition voices are not new. Since the advent of new media, few Governments and nations have used spyware to keep tabs on the public, and sometimes target individuals that the government considers a threat. All this is done under the guise of national security, but in a few cases, it is aimed to suppress opposition and is a breach of privacy. 

Zero-click Spyware for WhatsApp

One such interesting incident is the recent WhatsApp “zero-click” hacking incident. In a conversation with Reuters, a WhatsApp official disclosed that Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions was targeting its users, victims include journalists and civil society members. Earlier this week, the official told Reuters that Whatsapp had sent Paragon a cease-and-desist notice after the surveillance hack. In its official statement, WhatsApp stressed it will “continue to protect people's ability to communicate privately."

Paragon refused to comment

According to Reuters, WhatsApp had noticed an attempt to hack around 90 users. The official didn’t disclose the identity of the targets but hinted that the victims belonged to more than a dozen countries, mostly from Europe. WhatsApp users were sent infected files that didn’t require any user interaction to hack their targets, the technique is called the “zero-click” hack, known for its stealth 

“The official said WhatsApp had since disrupted the hacking effort and was referring targets to Canadian internet watchdog group Citizen Lab,” Reuter reports. He didn’t discuss how it was decided that Paragon was the culprit but added that law enforcement agencies and industry partners had been notified, and didn’t give any further details.

FBI didn’t respond immediately

“The FBI did not immediately return a message seeking comment,” Reuter said. Citizen Lab researcher John Scott-Railton said the finding of Paragon spyware attacking WhatsApp is a “reminder that mercenary spyware continues to proliferate and as it does, so we continue to see familiar patterns of problematic use."

Citizen Lab researcher John Scott-Railton said the discovery of Paragon spyware targeting WhatsApp users "is a reminder that mercenary spyware continues to proliferate and as it does, so we continue to see familiar patterns of problematic use."

Ethical implications concerning spying software

Spyware businesses like Paragaon trade advanced surveillance software to government clients, and project their services as “critical to fighting crime and protecting national security,” Reuter mentions. However, history suggests that such surveillance tools have largely been used for spying, and in this case- journalists, activists, opposition politicians, and around 50 U.S officials. This raises questions about the lawless use of technology.

Paragon - which was reportedly acquired by Florida-based investment group AE Industrial Partners last month - has tried to position itself publicly as one of the industry's more responsible players. On its website, Paragon advertises the software as “ethically based tools, teams, and insights to disrupt intractable threats” On its website, and media reports mentioning people acquainted with the company “say Paragon only sells to governments in stable democratic countries,” Reuter mentions.

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