Researchers Identify Links Between Ontario Police and Israeli Spyware Company
Recent investigations have suggested potential connections between Ontario’s provincial police and Paragon Solutions, an Israeli-based provider of military-grade spyware. This revelation raises important questions regarding the extent of cyberweapons usage by Canadian authorities.
Citizen Lab’s Findings
The new insights were released by the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, which specializes in tracking digital threats to civil society. This report follows a parliamentary committee in Canada urging an update to the country’s privacy laws after media reports revealed that the national police had utilized spyware to compromise mobile devices. However, no legislative action was taken to address these concerns.
Technical Connection to Ontario Police
The Citizen Lab’s recent report highlighted a possible technical connection between Paragon, known for its Graphite spyware offered to government clients, and certain entities in Ontario, including one allegedly linked to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
OPP’s Response
In a statement following the publication of this report, the OPP did not refute allegations of spyware usage but insisted that in Canada, any interception of private communications requires judicial approval in accordance with the Criminal Code. They emphasized that such measures are strictly for serious criminal investigations and in compliance with the laws of Canada, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Paragon’s Claims and Controversies
Paragon, now owned by a U.S. company, does not release its client information and declined to comment on the report. The company asserts its spyware is intended for tackling severe crime and terrorism. However, there are concerns, as recent reports indicated its software has been misused against an Italian journalist and various activists advocating for immigrants.
Concerns Over Spyware Use in Canada
The use of spyware by Canadian authorities sparked controversy in 2022, when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police revealed they had utilized such software for infiltrating mobile devices. They stated this was only in severe cases, where other surveillance means were ineffective. The Citizen Lab’s findings indicate an expanding infrastructure for spyware within Ontario police services.
Calls for Legal Reform
Kate Robertson, a senior researcher at the Citizen Lab, emphasized the widening gap in public awareness regarding spyware’s utilization in Canada. She called for crucial questions to be addressed by the government and privacy regulators, highlighting the urgent need for law reform to mitigate security and human rights concerns surrounding the use of these technologies.
