Paragon's Silence: Israeli Spyware Maker Declines to Cooperate With Italy's Investigation Into Attacks on Journalists and Activists

Israeli-American spyware developer Paragon Solutions has failed to respond to Italian authorities investigating a string of spyware attacks targeting journalists and activists in the country, according to a TechCrunch report. The company, which markets its flagship product Graphite primarily to government clients, had publicly expressed willingness to assist in determining what occurred—but officials say no substantive cooperation has materialized.

The investigation centers on suspected deployment of Paragon's military-grade surveillance technology against members of civil society in Italy. The targets reportedly include journalists and human rights advocates, raising questions about who was using the spyware and for what purpose. Paragon has maintained that it operates with strict export controls and sells only to vetted democratic governments, yet the lack of engagement with Italy's probe leaves significant gaps in accountability.

The company's non-responsiveness places mounting pressure on both Paragon and the Italian government. Investigators are reportedly exploring whether the attacks originated from state actors, criminal enterprises, or private parties who obtained the technology through gray-market channels. The case underscores broader concerns about the proliferation of commercial spyware, the opacity of the surveillance industry, and the difficulty authorities face in obtaining cooperation from vendors headquartered in foreign jurisdictions. Legal experts suggest the deadlock could prompt Italian officials to escalate through diplomatic channels or seek assistance from international counterparts with jurisdiction over Paragon's operations.