The software Pegasuswhich according to Colombian president Gustavo Petro had been purchased by the previous government for political espionage, in reality it was purchased with US funding as part of the collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking. The newspaper reported it this Friday The timewhich cites two unidentified US government sources in Washington and another in Bogota to point out that “the US government not only knew about the purchase of the Pegasus software in Colombia but it was also that country that financed the acquisition.”
The officials’ version represents a turning point in the investigation requested by Petro, who last month asked the Prosecutor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office (Public Prosecutor) to move forward on the matter. The purchase of the software, developed by Israeli company NSO Group, came under scrutiny in Colombia after Petro revealed in September that the government of his predecessor, Ivan Duque, had purchased it in 2021, allegedly to spy on opponents during protests social.
In a speech marking the 105th anniversary of the Colombian Air Force, Peter he warned him “Having software to hunt down gangsters is not the same as doing it without a court order, unless the 1991 Constitution is useless”. “Cyber defense is not the same as espionage,” the Colombian president insisted, adding: “Our sovereignty is not just raising a flag, but the main decisions made in Colombia are made by Colombians. If they are made by another kind of people, whatever their motivations, then we will have lost sovereignty.
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The Colombian ambassador to Washington, Daniel García-Peña, told reporters, after a meeting with US officials, who had assured him “that these were indeed US assets used for the acquisition of the Pegasus software”, which would be ” used in the fight against drug trafficking and that its use was directed exclusively at the drug cartels of Colombia and Mexico.
According to Petro said in September, the acquisition of Pegasus It cost $11 million which was paid in cash and transferred on two flights from Bogota to Tel Aviv in June and September 2021.. Last month, Petro accused Ran Gonen, director of global security at NSO Technologies, of money laundering for allegedly receiving $5 million in cash as part of the payment for the software, an amount that should have been disclosed.
Pegasus can facilitate wiretaps, spying on email and text communications via applications such as WhatsApp, and scanning documents held in mobile phone memory, which is why its purchase in other countries has been a source of controversy. Second The timeU.S. government officials have denied any information suggesting that Pegasus was improperly used to surveil Colombian political figures and that an illicit payment was made for the purchase.
Interviewer (Time.News Editor): Welcome to the show. Today we have a special guest, an expert in cybersecurity and political transparency, to discuss the controversial Pegasus software purchase in Colombia. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic that speaks to both national security and civil liberties.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. Recent reports have emerged suggesting that the Pegasus software, developed by the Israeli NSO Group, was not only purchased by the Colombian government but also financed by the U.S. government. What are the implications of this revelation?
Expert: This development significantly shifts the narrative. Originally, it was perceived as a tool for political espionage under the previous administration. The acknowledgment that the U.S. funded the purchase adds a layer of complexity, indicating a focus on collaboration in counter-narcotics operations. However, it raises questions about the oversight and intended use of such powerful surveillance technology.
Interviewer: Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stressed the difference between cyber defense and espionage, emphasizing the need for sovereignty when it comes to decisions made about such software. How do you interpret his stance?
Expert: Petro’s distinction is essential. He is advocating for a balance between national security and the protection of constitutional rights. By asserting that sovereignty includes decision-making by Colombians, he’s underscoring that foreign influence in these matters could erode democratic principles. This is particularly relevant considering the historical context of foreign intervention in Latin American politics.
Interviewer: Indeed. It seems there’s a significant legal and ethical debate brewing. What do you think will happen next in this investigation, especially given Petro’s requests to prosecute those involved?
Expert: The investigation could lead to legal ramifications for former officials, especially if misuse of the software is proven. There’s a potential for political upheaval if officials are held accountable. Furthermore, this case could serve as a precedent for other countries in the region, encouraging stronger regulations around the purchase and deployment of surveillance tools.
Interviewer: Speaking of regulations, what measures should countries like Colombia consider implementing to prevent misuse of surveillance technologies in the future?
Expert: Establishing clear legal frameworks that delineate when and how surveillance can be conducted is critical. There should be strict oversight mechanisms, including judicial approval for the use of such technology in most instances. Transparency is key – citizens should be informed about surveillance practices and have avenues to contest or seek redress for misuse of their data.
Interviewer: Those are very important points. How do you think citizens’ trust in their government is affected by such revelations of surveillance?
Expert: Trust is incredibly fragile. When citizens learn that their government has engaged in undemocratic practices like unwarranted surveillance, it can lead to profound disillusionment. It’s crucial for governments to rebuild that trust through transparency and accountability, reassuring citizens that their rights will be respected.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights on this intricate issue. It’s crucial for the public to stay informed and engaged about these developments. We hope this investigation will lead to a more transparent and just governance in Colombia.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital issues.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay tuned for more discussions on pressing global issues.
