The European Parliament’s Pegasus Committee of Inquiry votes today on the Pegasus report. At the center of the debate: the abuse of Israeli spy software by governments. There have been months of negotiations and investigations into alleged violations of EU law through the use of that software. “I expect a solid majority,” says D66 MEP and Commission rapporteur Sophie in ‘t Veld.
In ‘t Veld adds that there has been considerable negotiation to achieve that majority. ‘It wasn’t easy. There are many European governments that are guilty of misusing this spyware for political purposes.’ According to the MEP, not only difficult journalists and political opponents have been spied on under the guise of national security, but the software has also been exported by countries such as Greece and Cyprus. In Sudan, for example. Many governments have also been guilty of this. Or shut up, so it’s a very difficult problem.’
“There are many European governments that are guilty of misusing that spyware for political purposes”
In ‘t Veld does not expect a blanket ban on spyware, but “very strict rules of use, strict and robust protection for people who are targeted by this type of spyware, and also strict enforcement of rules on export”.
national security
Last but not least: In ‘t Veld also wants a better definition of the term ‘national security’. This is because security is often used as a pretext to shadow journalists and political opponents. “It’s always ‘national security’ and then you don’t get any information. Then the law no longer applies, then all the shutters and doors close». In ‘t Veld wants the Commission to look closely in the coming months which Member States have complied with the rules and which have not. “And indeed a ban should apply to those member states.”
In ‘t Veld assumes, however, that “everyone we’ve been negotiating with for months in the last few weeks also represents his signature.” The MEP says national governments have also been implicated in the matter in the European Parliament and have pressured their MPs not to criticize their own government.
Source: BNR
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