Pegasus Spyware: Surveillance of Journalists and Citizens
Hungarian government used Pegasus spyware to surveil journalists, lawyers, and opposition activists. At least 300 targets.
Key Figures
- Kósa Lajos (parlamenti képviselő / MP)
- Viktor Orbán
- Pintér Sándor (belügyminiszter / interior minister)
Impact
300+ surveillance targets, severe privacy violations, international condemnation
In 2021, it was revealed that the Hungarian government used Pegasus spyware, developed by Israel's NSO Group, to surveil journalists, lawyers, and critics. Reports indicate at least 300 targets, including leading investigative journalists.
MP Lajos Kósa admitted the government purchased the software. The Interior Ministry defended it as a 'national security necessity' and less invasive than what private tech companies do.
Pegasus provides full access to target phones: messages, calls, location data, and can activate cameras and microphones. The case sparked international outrage and further deteriorated Hungary's press freedom situation. Several journalists filed lawsuits with the European Court of Human Rights.