(ANSA-AFP) - BUDAPEST, JUL 19 - Hungary denied media reports
on Monday that it used secret software to infiltrate the
smartphones of investigative journalists and other public
figures. "The government has no knowledge of this type of data
collection," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told a press
conference, adding that Hungary's civilian intelligence agency
did not use the Pegasus software "in any way". Media reports on
Sunday claimed governments in several countries around the world
had used spyware technology developed by Israel-based NSO Group
to infiltrate the smartphones of potentially tens of thousands
of people. Hungary was the only EU country named on a list of
leaked telephone numbers.
The National Association of Hungarian Journalists (MUOSZ) said
it was "shocked" by the revelations. "If this is the case, it is
unacceptable, outrageous and illegal, full information must be
disclosed to the public immediately," the association said in a
statement. The reports "bring shame to the country", said
Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony, who hopes to run against Orban
at a general election next year. "The government owes answers,"
he said. (ANSA-AFP).
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