CDT Europe has issued a call for action against the proliferation of spyware in the EU. In collaboration with 12 members of the Spyware Coordination Group, CDT Europe is urging EU institutions to address unchecked spyware proliferation, which has been enabled by fragmented national laws and regulatory gaps. This call follows revelations about the use of Paragon’s Graphite spyware against journalists and human rights defenders.
An event at the European Parliament titled "Securing Democracy & Media Freedom: EU Action on Spyware and Surveillance" was co-hosted by CDT Europe's Silvia Lorenzo Perez along with MEPs Birgit Sippel and Krzysztof Brejza. The discussion highlighted the impact of invasive surveillance technologies like Pegasus and Graphite on journalists, human rights defenders, and political opposition figures. MEP Brejza shared his experience of being targeted with Pegasus during an election campaign in Poland.
The panelists discussed institutional challenges, regulatory fragmentation, and existing frameworks' limited efficacy in preventing spyware abuse. They focused on the European Media Freedom Act set to apply from August 2025, noting that exceptions might still allow surveillance under broad justifications.
CDT Europe also provided feedback on draft guidelines concerning online protection for minors under the Digital Services Act's Art.28. The organization emphasized clearer guidance for age verification systems to ensure consistent enforcement while respecting rights.
In Geneva, CDT Europe's Secretary General Asha Allen participated in a UN Human Rights Council side event discussing online hate speech against women in politics and human rights defenders. She addressed tech-facilitated gender-based violence as a global issue.
Additionally, CDT Europe argued against reopening the AI Act amid industry pressure for deregulation. They stressed maintaining fundamental rights protections within the AI Act's framework.
Finally, CDT Europe welcomed input opportunities on initiatives like the European Democracy Shield aimed at addressing risks to democracy in the EU while upholding fundamental rights.