Italy has rejected claims that Israeli spyware company Paragon ended its collaboration with Rome following allegations that its technology had been misused to target journalists and activists instead of criminals. Cabinet undersecretary for intelligence matters Alfredo Mantovano stated that Paragon had never suspended its services or terminated its contract with the Italian government. Minister for parliamentary relations Luca Ciriani also defended Italy's intelligence services, insisting they had acted within the law and had not used the software against protected individuals, including journalists.

Concerns arose after Meta's WhatsApp revealed that Paragon's spyware had been used to target multiple individuals, including a journalist and a human rights activist critical of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Italy acknowledged that seven mobile phone users had been affected but denied any government involvement, calling for an investigation. Reports from The Guardian and Haaretz suggested Paragon had severed ties with Rome, doubting the government's denial of wrongdoing.

Israel-based Paragon and its owner, Florida-based AE Industrial Partners, have not responded to requests for comment. Ciriani assured parliament that Italy's intelligence services continue to operate fully against national security threats. He also called for the judiciary to investigate the alleged hacking of journalists and activists, stating that Italian intelligence agencies were ready to assist in uncovering the truth.