Anas Altikriti’s Phone Hacked: UK-based Human Rights Defenders Take Legal Action Against NSO Group

Anas Altikriti, a London-based hostage negotiator, and activist, had his phone hacked in July 2020, allegedly by the Israeli spyware firm NSO Group. Four years later, Altikriti, along with three other UK-based human rights defenders, filed a complaint to the Metropolitan Police accusing NSO of complicity in the targeted hacking of their phones. The filing aims to hold NSO accountable for enabling state actors like the UAE to hack activists’ phones through its Pegasus software.

The complaint, spearheaded by the Global Legal Action Network, highlights the importance of protecting human rights defenders from cyber attacks. Despite being blacklisted in the US, NSO has continued to face legal battles globally, including lawsuits filed by Apple and WhatsApp. The UK has so far failed to take action against NSO, despite evidence of phone hacking on its soil.

The complaint seeks to bring justice to victims like Altikriti, who has been vocal in his criticism of the UAE and was targeted due to his activism. The case underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations to prevent the abuse of spyware technology and protect individuals’ privacy.