If evidence is correct that the intrusive surveillance spyware FinFisher may be in use by several members of the Freedom Online Coalition, it should rightly raise serious concerns around the world.
According to a statement by the EFF, these intrusive tools have in the past been used by Bahraini and Ethiopian governments to spy on human rights activists. Unchecked by strong legal and technical safeguards protecting against unnecessary or disproportionate surveillance, the use of such software can undermine the integrity and security of computer and networking equipment and harm ‘an internet free and secure’.
It said that Finfisher software is at the centre of its case against the Ethiopian government, for use against an American citizen in his home in Maryland. It is requesting a response and meaningful dialogue with a number of civil society organisations, which is of crucial importance for the Freedom Online Coalition and its engagement with stakeholders.