Spyware and state surveillance of journalists

Early day motion 337, tabled 19 July 2021 by Grahame Morris (Labour). Signed by 33 members.

That this House is deeply concerned by reports that at least 180 journalists across the world have been spied on using Pegasus software, a tool developed by the Israeli cybersurveillance company NSO and sold to a number of clients, including states across the world; notes that among those who have been the targets of the global spying operations are human rights defenders, political opponents, lawyers, diplomats and heads of state; further notes that the list of the 180 journalists targeted includes reporters from global media platforms, as well as freelance investigators who appear to have been targeted by regimes determined to uncover sources, undermine research, and in some cases, stop their reporting; believes that those revelations of the use of NSO’s Pegasus software to spy on journalists shows the profound vulnerability of media freedom and illustrates the serious breach of the public's right to know; and therefore joins the National Union of Journalists in the UK and Ireland and the International Federation of Journalists in utterly condemning all attempts to interfere with journalists’ private communications, encouraging journalists to use extra vigilance to protect their data and calling on governments to enshrine in domestic law the inviolability of journalists’ communications.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Scottish National Party 4, Independent 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Alba 2, Conservative 1, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1.