Google: Estimates that Predator software was used by Greek government agencies – What the government and SYRIZA say

In an assessment that Greek government services used the Predator monitoring software, Google proceeded to its blog regarding the security of the Chrome browser and the Android software.

In particular, the company’s announcement states that “we appreciate with great certainty that the security vulnerabilities (in Chrome and Android software), were created by a single commercial monitoring company, Cytrox (company that produced this software) and were sold to different government agencies that have used them in at least three campaigns. “According to findings that are in line with those of CitizenLab, we estimate that the government agencies that buy these exploits are (at least) in Egypt, Armenia, Greece, Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Serbia, Spain and Indonesia.” .

SYRIZA attack on the government – What is the answer of the government representative

SYRIZA commented on this announcement, emphasizing that “Google’s revelation today that government agencies in Greece have procured predator tracking software, and even for mobile phones with android software, is a blow to the Mitsotakis government and puts another piece in the puzzle of this of dark history ”.

In detail, his announcement is as follows: ” A month ago we had publicly asked the government whether the Greek State has provided the “predator” monitoring software on the occasion of the revelations for the monitoring of the journalist Thanasis Koukakis, who was investigating corruption cases. for business interests that benefited from the Mitsotakis government.

Since then, the government spokesman has repeatedly denied it, attributing the surveillance to an individual.

Today’s Google revelation that government agencies in Greece have procured predator tracking software and even for mobile phones with android software, is a collapse for the Mitsotakis government and puts another piece in the puzzle of this dark story.

Will Mr. Economou deny Google now? Or does he just not pay attention when you tell him something to do?

“Because this is a major issue of democracy and we consider it unthinkable for citizens and journalists to be illegally monitored by state services, we call on the government to give clear explanations.”

The government spokesman once again categorically denied that Greek services used any such software, adding that Google’s announcement is an estimate.

The full statement of the government spokesman, Giannis Oikonomou: “We have stressed from the outset that the Greek security services have neither purchased nor used this surveillance software. Consequently, the Greek Government and state services have not had and have not any kind of transaction with anyone involved in the production and distribution of this software.

Besides, the text itself speaks of assessment in the references to the various countries, including Greece and Spain. It should be noted, however, that regarding the complaints made by a specific person, regarding the possibility of monitoring in our country, with the specific software, both the Greek Justice and the National Transparency Authority have been addressed, assisted by the Confidentiality Authority. Communications.

“Every effort, therefore, to create impressions and opposition, inside the country, by such means shows the despair of those who attempt it.”