A large majority in the European Parliament voted in favor of better enforcement of the use of spy software to thwart abuse. The commission that investigated this, presented its conclusions yesterday. Journalists and opposition parties are said to have previously been intercepted and monitored by the controversial Pegasus spyware, developed by Israeli group NSO. “Here we can speak of a crisis for democracy,” says MEP and committee rapporteur Sophie in ‘t Veld.
The resolution passed with 411 votes in favor and 97 against. 37 members abstained from voting. The fact that the proposal had a large majority came as no surprise to In ‘t Veld. “There is strong consensus in the European Parliament, from left to right, on a number of steps that need to be taken. There must be good rules for when spyware can be used and who supervises it.’ At the moment, he says, these rules are not enough and, partly due to a lack of oversight, spyware is often used as a power tool that governments can use to wiretap opposition parties and journalists. “Governments are tempted to use it inappropriately and inappropriately.”
No total ban
In addition to better enforcement of existing rules, Parliament is also calling for in-depth investigations and legislative changes to tackle abuses. Furthermore, a number of countries will receive specific recommendations to combat abuse.
The committee is not calling for a total ban on spyware. “Even that doesn’t make much sense, because then you start banning a certain technology, and then they actually come up with something else,” says In t’Veld. In particular, the importance of adequate judicial review and independent supervision of the use of spyware is stressed. ‘In the Netherlands we have done reasonably well, but even here that independent supervisor is now being eaten away. And in other countries there is almost no independent supervision.’
Pull yourself up together
However, spyware abuse cannot be completely combated, In t’ Veld also acknowledges. This is partly because other countries have also installed spyware in Europe, such as Morocco and Rwanda. ‘What we can do is work with the United States and other allies, for example, to establish tough rules. Or blacklist spyware companies that sell to countries that abuse it, like Saudi Arabia. When you get blacklisted, you are no longer allowed to do business in Europe and America. America has already done it and is leading the way. I want Europe to join this, because then you have enormous economic power and you can really make a difference,’ concludes In t’ Veld.
Clear message
In t’ Veld says that with this proposal, Parliament sends a clear message to governments, but also to the European Commission. ‘The Commission is extremely decisive on, for example, war, the pandemic, inflation and the energy crisis. On these matters, the Commission goes into crisis mode and does what it has to do. Here we can speak of a crisis for democracy’, says In ‘t Veld. “The Commission must move forward and protect democracy.”
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
