Collection of studies prepared by Policy Department C for the PEGA Committee

Committee of Inquiry to investigate the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (PEGA) was set up on 10 March 2022. Chaired by MEP Jeroen LENAERS, PEGA Committee investigated infringements and maladministration in application of EU law in relation to the use of Pegasus and equivalent spyware surveillance software. Spyware and other hacking techniques are critical threats to privacy, data protection and democracy in the EU. They serve oppressive agendas against journalists, political activists and human rights defenders. On 8 May 2023, PEGA Committee adopted its final report (Rapporteur: MEP Sophia IN 'T VELD), after 14 months of hearings, studies and fact-finding missions. Following the PEGA Committee’s report, on 15 June 2023, the European Parliament adopted its recommendation calling on the European Commission, the Council, European Ombudsman, the Europol and a number of Member States for a number of actions.