Berlin – The controversial Pegasus spy software is apparently being used more widely by German security authorities than previously known. In addition to the Federal Criminal Police Office, the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) also uses the software, as research by Süddeutscher Zeitung, Zeit, NDR and WDR has now shown.
With the software of the Israeli manufacturer NSO Group, the cell phone communication of a target person can be read and overheard. In July it emerged that Pegasus was being abused by secret services and police authorities around the world, for example to investigate journalists and members of the opposition.
The BKA has been using a modified version of the software since March of this year, as Vice President Martina Link confirmed to the Interior Committee in a secret meeting. However, the federal government has so far refused to respond to corresponding inquiries from the Bundestag’s parliamentary control body. She apparently also kept silent about the fact that the BND had been using the software for a long time.
Konstantin von Notz, deputy group leader of the Greens, called on the outgoing federal government on Friday to give up “its long-failed defensive position” and no longer illegally obstruct further clarification. “Today we requested another special meeting of the responsible body in which the federal government has to comply with its statutory reporting obligation and the obligation to finally and comprehensively enable clarification and actual control,” said Notz. “
The iPhones from Appel, which are otherwise considered safe, can also be infected with Pegasus. The software can access the device with just a careless click on a prepared internet link. Then Pegasus can read out almost all personal data. In addition, Pegasus removes security barriers by means of a so-called jailbreak. Most of the time, the user does not notice anything. This security gap can be closed with an update.
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