According to a 2021 investigation by Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International, France was among the countries whose officials were targeted by the Pegasus spyware developed by the Israeli company NSO Group. The software was used to hack smartphones of journalists, human rights activists, and government officials worldwide.
Reports from Le Monde and other media outlets revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron was among the potential targets, with his phone number appearing on a list of numbers selected for surveillance. The French government condemned the use of Pegasus and launched an investigation.
However, investigative reports also indicated that France had previously attempted to purchase the Pegasus spyware for its own intelligence services. This dual stance—being both a target and a would-be buyer—highlighted the complex relationship between governments and surveillance technology vendors.
NSO Group has denied any wrongdoing, stating that its software is intended for use against criminals and terrorists. The company has faced legal challenges and increased scrutiny, including being placed on a U.S. export control blacklist in 2021.
