Israeli spyware firm blocks Italy following reports of misuse

Israeli spyware maker Paragon has terminated its dealings with Italy, including disconnecting its access to a military-grade surveillance technology Graphite, following reports of misuse of the intrusive technology to target detractors of the government in a possible case of human rights abuse, a media report said on Thursday.

The decision follows allegations by WhatsApp on Friday that the software which is capable of hacking into encrypted smartphones was used to breach the accounts of nearly 100 journalists and civil society activists, with three…