'AIVD at risk from use of Israeli hacking software'
The AIVD (Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) uses controversial hacking software supplied by Israeli technology firm NSO Group. This was reported in Dutch newspaper the Volkskrant. The phone of accused criminal Ridouan Taghi was allegedly hacked with it in 2019.
Is it desirable for the Netherlands to be doing business with the NSO Group? According to Bart Schermer, Professor of Law and Digital Technology, there is a risk that by using the hacking software the Israeli secret service will be able to look into Dutch operations. 'In addition, NSO Group is a commercial organisation, which can also offer the software to countries such as Yemen and Saudi Arabia, which means that the Netherlands indirectly contributes to the development of software that can be used for dubious purposes.'