France Investigates Potential Acquisition of Pegasus Spyware Amid Ongoing Moroccan Usage

Investigations reveal that French administrations considered acquiring the Pegasus spyware from NSO Group, coinciding with allegations of its use against French officials by Morocco. The revelations stem from a consortium of media, including Forbidden Stories, which highlighted that technical traces linked to Pegasus were found on the phones of several French ministers. The investigations suggest that Morocco targeted French officials, including Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, as early as July 2019. Despite the evidence, Morocco denies using Pegasus and has initiated legal action against media outlets reporting on the matter. The French government abandoned the acquisition plan in late 2020, citing concerns over technological sovereignty and reputational risks. This situation unfolds as Lecornu visits Morocco, where the allegations first emerged in 2021.

Key Points: • French administrations considered purchasing Pegasus spyware from NSO Group. • Evidence links Pegasus usage to surveillance of French officials by Morocco. • Morocco denies allegations and has filed lawsuits against reporting media.