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Writer's pictureDetained in Dubai

​Alleged hacking of Catalan politician’s phone heightens fears of misuse of spyware by Gulf States

According to a report in the Guardian yesterday, the mobile phone of one of Catalonia’s most senior politicians was targeted using spyware produced by an Israeli company and sold to governments around the world. The hacking software exploits vulnerabilities in WhatsApp to gain control over a target’s phone. Saudi Arabia is Among the governments the Israeli firm NSO Group list as clients, and it is widely believed that other Gulf States are likely to be utilising the spyware.


“The government of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE has been implicated in multiple hacking attempts in the past,” says Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, “The case of Farhad Azima is perhaps the most well known, but others have allegedly been targeted, had their emails hacked, locations tracked, and so on, with suspicion falling upon RAK’s ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi. This software is officially designated for use only to monitor suspected terrorists and criminals, but when it is being utilised by undemocratic states, like in the Gulf, it is more likely to be used to persecute political enemies and as a weapon in personal disputes between members of the government and private sector partners.”


Stirling cautions that rulers throughout the Gulf tend to view the state apparatus as their personal property, and they will use it against any perceived opponents without hesitation. “Rights of privacy, freedoms of expression and association, individual liberty, are all concepts that do not exist either culturally or legally in many of these countries. Often the state does not need grounds for surveilling an individual beyond the caprice of the ruler; who has absolute authority.


“They can, and do, spy on business partners and investors, political opposition parties, journalists, human rights organisations, and academics. NSO Group must know that authoritarian states are using their software, not for preventing crimes or terrorism, but as instruments of control and persecution.”


“Our organisation takes internet security very seriously, and many of our clients have suffered hacking attempts. We are actively pursuing litigation on their behalf, in both the US and UK, for these grave breaches of privacy. Gulf states like Qatar and the UAE frequently reach beyond their territorial jurisdictions to harass and abuse people involved in disputes in those countries; hacking is just one of the methods they employ. We urge everyone to know their rights according to the laws of the country of their citizenship, and that lawsuits can be brought against parties abroad who violate these rights. Just because this sort of hacking software is only sold to governments does not mean it will be used responsibly or even legally; and when those government clients include the likes of Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar or countries who service them, it is almost a certainty that it will be misused.”

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8 Comments


QFC Fitzwalter
QFC Fitzwalter
a day ago

At such a large scale, hacking and software abuse are pretty common things. Many people are now running their businesses overseas, but it is always important to remember that informational security is first to think about.  With your permission, I will share a link to a page I would like you to read. Because many people try to reach the goals I outlined by their small teams, which is impossible.

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Lila Foster
Lila Foster
Oct 19

This is extremely troubling and highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting personal and political information. The use of sophisticated spyware like that from the NSO Group to target high-profile individuals undermines trust in communication platforms and poses significant privacy risks globally. It's alarming to see governments, including Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States, utilizing such invasive technologies, raising serious ethical and legal concerns. Strengthening digital defenses and implementing stricter regulations on the sale and use of surveillance tools are essential steps to prevent further misuse. Amidst these serious developments, finding ways to relax and unwind, such as playing agario, can help manage stress and maintain a balanced perspective.

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lekor adams
lekor adams
Sep 30

The alleged hacking of a Catalan politician's phone has raised significant concerns about the misuse of spyware by Gulf States, highlighting the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities that political figures face in an increasingly digital world. Just as Da-Com strives to provide leading office technology solutions and exceptional service for clients in Missouri and Illinois, businesses must prioritize the protection of their data and communication. Da-Com understands that every company has unique processes and workflows, enabling them to develop tailored action plans that meet specific needs and budgets. By fostering long-term relationships, Da-Com helps strengthen community resilience against such threats.

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line Made
line Made
Sep 14

Although I have never personally played wordle answer today., based on standard platformer game concepts, advice could be to focus on timing and leap placement, use momentum and gravity, and practice stages to raise performance. Tell me whether you have particular questions, please.

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Wells Edith
Wells Edith
Jul 26

The alleged hacking of a Catalan politician’s phone is significant as it raises serious concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of spyware. drift hunters

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