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Conquering Pegasus: We must embrace the spirit of Bellerophon
We need a system that can regulate fair wiretapping procedures, respect the citizens' right to privacy, protect personal data and strengthen the judiciary's role in overseeing wiretapping powers.
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A man walks past a logo of the NSO Group, producer of Pegasus spyware. (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
Jakarta
An investigative report in Tempo magazine (June 12 to 18 edition) raised the issue of the use of the Pegasus wiretapping tool, a product of the Israel-based NSO Group, in Indonesia since 2018, although some believe the zero-click method of eavesdropping has been in place in the country further back since 2010.
Based on the report, there are allegations about the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the National Police using this wiretapping device. The National Police’s head of technology, information and communications division, Insp. Gen. Slamet Uliandi, has denied the accusation. An article in The Jakarta Post titled "Israeli-made spyware used in the nation since 2018, says IndonesiaLeaks" (June 15) also raised similar concerns about wiretapping technology.
Pegasus is a leading technology in the world of spyware. It does not require interaction with the target, is able to listen in on telephone conversations, controls and disrupts phone connections, and consumes data on electronic devices, leaving no trace behind.
Based on journalistic reports, there are three concerns. First, covert surveillance or communication interception, intentionally or not, against a citizen’s right to privacy is a crucial issue in the rule of law because this is unlawful.
Second, interception tools such as Pegasus, which adopt the zero-click method, threaten freedom and activities in journalism or public policy advocacy. Furthermore, the zero-click technology can be accessed not only by the state but also the private sector and organized crime.
