Names: Sonalees Tang, Kannhary Ma

Homework 4
❖ Chosen Case Study: “Pegasus Spyware and Citizen Surveillance”

I. Description:
Pegasus Spyware is a powerful spyware developed by the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm
(NSO Group). It was made for the initial purpose of surveillance tracking and data collecting.
Although the NSO group claimed that their creation was only sold to serve the purpose of aiding
rescue operations and battling crimes such as drug and sex trafficking, terrorists or many other
crimes, the usage of this spyware became very controversial as it was also used to track
politicians, government leaders, activists, civilians, and journalists.

This spyware also became a politically explosive issue in Israel due to the misuse of this
software as it can infect smartphones and digital devices. It allowed trackers to:
1. Extract and Track all data on the device (Texts, messages, contacts, call logs…, etc.)
2. Monitor all digital activities illegally
3. Location tracking
4. Invasion of privacy due to bugged microphones, cameras…

II. Pegasus Case

According to the Pegasus Project, about 200 journalists’ phones around the world had been
selected as targets by NSO clients by 2021. Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International who
were the investigators of this case found out that more than 50,000 records of phone numbers
were selected for surveillance by NSO clients. The government clients range from autocratic like
Bahrain, and Morocco to democratic like India and Mexico and other parts of the world like in
Europe and Africa. The analysis of the leaked phone numbers revealed that journalists and
human rights defenders were abused, having their lives, their families, and associates in danger,
their freedom of speech was limited, and critical media was shut down by being targeted. Some
journalists received legal threats, arrests, and defamation, and some had to leave their countries
to avoid persecution. There were also cases in which journalists were killed. The leaked phone
numbers were also linked to politicians, government officials, and business executives. Even
French President Emmanuel Macron fell victim as his phone number appeared on the list of
50,000 numbers and he had to change his mobile phone number immediately.
III. Why it could affect International Relations:
The Reasons why this software could affect International Relations is due to its usage to track
civilians, human rights activities journalists, and politicians which threatens national security and
raises concerns over:
● Political Tensions: The Pegasus Spyware could exacerbate existing regional tensions within
the country. It could target specific groups or ethnicities.
● Undermining Democracy and Human Rights: it’s usage of data tracking could potentially
lead to the act of silencing dissents and oppositions. It could also be used to track and
manipulate the national elections within the country. te This will violate human rights and
● International Relations disruptions: the usage of this spyware is understandably illegal as it
violates international law and national security. If it is used to track the communications and
data between nations, it could damage diplomatic relations and hinder cooperation between
the countries.
● Weaponizing the usage of technology: The usage of Pegasus Spyware is just one of the
trends in weaponizing technology. This raises concerns about a new arms race, where
massive competition and deployment of sophisticated cyberweapons will threaten humanity.
● Nuclear Proliferation: Pegasus can have control over vital command, and communications
capabilities of a nation that serves nuclear powers. They have the potential to disarm a
country from its weapons, utilize nuclear weapons and dispatch weapons right away. This
might happen in a conflict between nations to cause more global disruption.
● Economic development: loss of valuable data or business information can harm
organizations and businesses as it can be used by competitors. This can lead to disruption of
sales, equipment, and fluctuation in stock prices.
● International financial relations: Banks are now more reliant on digital currencies and
payment systems. Pegasus can derail and undermine trust in the world’s economy by
making financial markets all over the world not properly function.

IV. Ethical/ Social & Legal Concerns:

● Invasion of Privacy and Security: The usage of spyware will contradict and violate a
person’s privacy, causing their information to be exposed or used against them.
● Loss of Control: The autonomous operation of AI without the intervention of human
control will also increase the risk of unintended consequences and implications of
morality. Example: AI theology could start questioning the value of human life and the
ethics of war.
● Future Implications: We all know that AI algorithms tend to be complex and prone to
malfunctions, this will cause future harm as it could lead to potential risks and dangers.
● The Invasion of Human Rights: Major oppressions of human rights and freedom of
speech are limited due to the misuse of this spyware. People are derived out of their right
to a safe and carefree life.
References:
1. Khurana, J. (2021). Pegasus and its effects in international realm. International journal of
law management and humanities. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from
https://doij.org/10.10000/IJLMH.111875
2. Robinson, K. (2022, March 8). How Israel’s Pegasus Spyware stoked the surveillance
debate. Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from
https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-israels-pegasus-spyware-stoked-surveillance-debate
3. Rueckert, P. (2021, July 18). Pegasus: The new global weapon for silencing journalists.
Forbidden Stories. Retrieved January 31, 2024 from,
https://forbiddenstories.org/pegasus-the-new-global-weapon-for-silencing-journalists/
4. Shankland, S. (2022, July 19). Pegasus spyware and citizen surveillance: Here’s what you
should know. CNET. Retrieved from:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/pegasus-spyware-and-citizen-surveillance-what-you-nee
d-to-know/#google_vignette