Human Rights and Humanitarianism

Targeting, Infecting, Surveilling, Harming. A Criminal and Human Rights Context: Mapping the Impact and Harm of Spyware on People

The project aimed to analyse the human and societal impacts of spyware globally from 2013-2023 to categorise and assess the scale of harm caused by spyware. The study identified a total of 53 events related to spyware abuse in the regions of Central America, Western Asia, and Western/Southern Europe. Predominantly orchestrated by NSO Group's Pegasus software using Zero-Click Exploits in 55% of cases, governments emerged as the primary customers. The report identified 216 targets primarily from Advocacy, Media, and Politics sectors, revealing severe psychological, physical, and financial harm.

PROJECT YEAR

2023

 

PROJECT PARTNER

CyberPeace Institute

STUDENTS

RESEARCH THEMES

  • Democracy, Civil Society and Sovereignty, Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Humanitarianism, Justice and Inclusion