The NSO spyware scandal is a good reminder that sometimes, humanity creates incredible tools whose use it later has to limit, so as not to let the matter get out of control.
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What we have witnessed about the Israel Police's alleged use of spyware on civilians is a loss of control, which – like a boomerang – has come back to strike the very person entrusted with ensuring that control.
I agree with those who say that such tools are beneficial and should be available for the police and the Shin Bet security agency. They are meant to prevent the use of physical ("moderate") means against those being interrogated, and that is a good thing.
But the question is who is responsible for ensuring the delicate balance between protecting the rights of the individual and preserving public order. Who understands the degree of violating the rights of the individual, the possible consequences of such an action, and is able to overcome the temptation and not use the spyware, even when it is obvious it will help meet a specific need.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation into the scandal, one thing is clear: the Calcalist has exposed the results of the police's careless use of the tools at its disposal.
Whoever claims that all the misconduct took place during the reign of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and by the individuals he appointed, and whoever claims that it was misused by people who disobeyed him and decided to oust the premier will soon realize that that is not the case. The unbearable ease of using such seductive tools – while hiding behind judges' approvals – is the mother of all sin.
The only solution is the speedy establishment of a new and professional framework headed by a judge and cyber experts, who will deal with approvals for spyware use and will be able to prevent exploitation. Then we will be able to address the matter of abuse of power.
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