WhatsApp disrupts spyware campaign targeting journalists

WhatsApp says it disrupted a spyware campaign last month that targeted journalists and civil society members, according to reports from The Guardian and Reuters. The campaign originated from an Israeli spyware company called Paragon Solutions and impacted around 90 users.

WhatsApp told The Guardian that it has reached out to affected users, saying it had “high confidence” that they were targeted and “possibly compromised.” The Meta-owned app also sent a cease-and-desist order to Paragon and is “exploring its legal options,” The Guardian reports.

Paragon, which Reuters called a competitor to Pegasus maker NSO Group, bills itself as an “ethical” cyber defense company. It was acquired by the Florida-based private investment firm AE Industrial Partners last year, while a recent report from Wired revealed that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement signed a $2 million contract with Paragon in September 2024.

“This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions,” WhatsApp said in a statement to The Guardian. “WhatsApp will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately.” WhatsApp didn’t immediately respond to The Verge’s request for more information.