Malware found in 5 phones, no proof it’s Pegasus: panel

• A 3 -judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India recently said the Pegasus technical committee has reported that 5 of the 29 inspected phones were infected with "some malware" but not surely Pegasus spyware.
• The Bench also conveyed the committee's observation that the government was "not cooperative”.

Background

• The committee was set up by court after allegations of the use of Israeli spyware Pegasus by the government agencies for targeted surveillance of politicians, journalists and activists.

Issue of national security

• Petitioners who had given their phones for examination requested for a redacted report.
• The court said it would take into consideration the request to release redacted copies of the technical committee report.

Report

• The final report was in three parts
• digital images of phones examined for spyware infection
• report of the technical committee
• report of Justice Raveendran

Committee enquiry

• 2-pronged
• Technical issues relating to the digital forensic aspects about the reported use of Pegasus malware to target mobiles of Indian citizens.
• Recommendations about the enhancement of existing laws and procedures related to surveillance and securing rights like privacy etc.

Prelims Takeaway

• Pegasus
• Pegasus technical committee