Pegasus Report : Hoax or hate-mongering? Writes Subrata Das

July 23: Pegasus report has hit the stands by creating frenzied storm across the country very recently. It has been taken seriously by a section of Indian people as it was published by Amnesty International, which is not at all a journalistic organization. So far as it’s credibility is concerned, it is noticed that the activities of this organization, on many issues, mostly go against the interest of our country. Moreover, its communications with Taliban or Al-Qaeda regarding charity has not only raised question about their honesty and integrity, but also fundamentally damaged the reputation of the organization.

On one hand, the report on hacking of individual data was indicative only, not inclusive. On the other hand, Amnesty International never specified any information to factually prove its claim. It’s really surprising how investigative journalism done by a non-journalistic organization can be taken by our urban intelligentsia so seriously on the basis of presumption only? An Israeli software company, NSO Group sells this software of Pegasus to different countries around the world. About 45 countries including India are the customers of this software globally. However, the company markets itself as a tool to track criminals and terrorists for targeted spying, but not for mass surveillance.

However, Amnesty has backtracked finally and its handouts are proved to be a hoax. It has also expressed that some of the names being circulated on social media are not published by this organization, it’s spread by others who want to defame Amnesty. With this, the clamour and acrimony that’s going on for last few days over the issue of spying across the country has almost come to an end. This recent revelation has suddenly jolted the protesters out of their fantasy. Although, they are still trying to spread the narrative of spying individuals by the Central Government.

However, if the government has really targeted some innocent individuals by tracking their phones or laptops; of course, it should be treated as a threat to privacy. But, the point is – if anyone else brings allegation against someone, the accusation should be supported with factual documents. On the basis of apprehension, one can’t demand punishment of others. And, to prove one’s suspicion in reality, one should better knock the doors of judiciary of the land. If it’s found to be true in the court of law, the onus will automatically come on the government. Without doing so, if some people love to keep speaking brazen rhetoric, what intention will be served except wasting time, resources and energy.

A question which arises is whether it is an attempt to create another frenzied agitation like anti-CAA or Farmers law protest with a view to destabilize the country at this crucial point of COVID-19 pandemic? If it’s so, we may conclude by saying that Pegasus report ultimately was a fiasco. However, Pegasus is said to be used for surveillance to protect the country against possible threat from enemies or extremists. And, we must keep it in mind that the oldest democracy of the world, America also keeps surveillance over criminals and terrorists to defend the country from any possible attack or harm from them. If anyone else doesn’t believe, please ask why Amnesty International remains tight lipped against its own native country. If we don’t act against the sovereignty and integrity of India by accepting foreign funds or favour to intensify protest with malicious intent in the name of freedom of expression, why we should be worried or afraid of Pegasus software being used by the government to track anti nationals or terrorists? It’s indeed a point to ponder on.