How Italy Became an Unexpected Spyware Hub (therecord.media) 12
Italy has emerged as a major global spyware hub alongside Israel and India, with at least six major vendors operating in the country with limited oversight, The Record reported this week, citing researchers and Italian experts. Companies like RCS Labs, which has operated since 1992, sell surveillance tools to both domestic law enforcement and foreign governments including Kazakhstan, Syria, and several Asian nations.
Italian authorities can rent spyware for $160 per day without large acquisition costs, leading to thousands of domestic surveillance operations in recent years. While new regulations taking effect in February 2024 will require judges to evaluate specific reasons for spyware use, critics cited in the story say the reform package won't address core issues like the lack of centralized oversight. The country's competitive marketplace and relatively lax export controls have also enabled Italian vendors to expand their overseas sales.
Italian authorities can rent spyware for $160 per day without large acquisition costs, leading to thousands of domestic surveillance operations in recent years. While new regulations taking effect in February 2024 will require judges to evaluate specific reasons for spyware use, critics cited in the story say the reform package won't address core issues like the lack of centralized oversight. The country's competitive marketplace and relatively lax export controls have also enabled Italian vendors to expand their overseas sales.
So we've got the Five Eyes... (Score:4, Funny)
and the three I's.
Re: (Score:2)
The future is here!!! (Score:1)
> While new regulations taking effect in February 2024 will require j
Yes, can't wait for February 2024.
Slashdot weekend crew on Wednesday?
Re: (Score:2)
Slashdot weekend crew on Wednesday?
There are only around a half-dozen of us left anyway.
Re: The future is here!!! (Score:2)
Enterprise-grade Android surveillanceware :o (Score:2)
a. How does this surveillanceware get onto Android devices?
b. Why is it so easy to deploy spyware on Android devices?
fascism (Score:2)
Italy is well known to be sliding back into fascism. It's not surprising.
Re: (Score:2)
It looks like it is in fact, just a lot more slowly than most of the other places which are at all convenient.
I cannot phatom ... (Score:1)
... the surprise there as MAFFIA comes from Italy.