Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001920/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Anna Strolenberg (Verts/ALE), Martin Hojsík (Renew), Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew), Ľubica Karvašová (Renew), Michal Wiezik (Renew), Lucia Yar (Renew), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Jan Farský (PPE), Jeroen Lenaers (PPE), Jana Toom (Renew), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Gordan Bosanac (Verts/ALE), Krzysztof Brejza (PPE), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE), Emma Rafowicz (S&D), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Giuseppe Antoci (The Left), Birgit Sippel (S&D), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Benoit Cassart (Renew), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE), Damien Carême (The Left), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Nathalie Loiseau (Renew), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE), David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Danuše Nerudová (PPE), Ľudovít Ódor (Renew), Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew)
According to recent press reports[1], Slovak intelligence services have acquired Pegasus spyware. This technology targets mobile devices and enables the extraction of very sensitive personal data, as well as being able to activate a device’s microphone and camera. In June 2023 Parliament adopted a report[2] calling for strict conditions to be put in place to restrict the use of such intrusive technologies. Given the current situation in the country – including attacks on journalists, activists, civil society, and the opposition – we are very concerned that the potential use of this spyware will pose a significant threat to fundamental rights and the rule of law.
- 1.Has the Commission contacted the Slovak authorities to confirm the acquisition and use of spyware in Slovakia and to assess the potential implications for democracy and the rule of law?
- 2.What measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure that surveillance technologies comply with data protection requirements and respect human rights within the EU?
- 3.We understand that the Commission will be publishing a communication regarding the use of spyware. When will the communication be published and will it include binding obligations for Member States, as recommended by the report from Parliament’s PEGA Committee?
Supporter[3]
Submitted: 1.10.2024
- [1] https://dennikn.sk/4176198/tajna-sluzba-za-fica-zrejme-ziskala-moznost-totalne-ovladnut-mobil-moze-ist-o-nastroj-pegasus/https://www.article19.org/resources/slovakia-use-of-pegasus-a-threat-to-democracy-and-human-rights/.
- [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-9-2023-0260_EN.html.
- [3] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D)