Sources and business records detail how Barcelona has emerged as an unlikely hub for spyware companies, raising concerns from digital rights groups
Toward the end of 2023, an Israeli security researcher from Tel Aviv said that he was approached on LinkedIn with an opportunity to work abroad with “good pay.” Bluesky: @zackwhittaker , @rondeibert , and @vaspanagiotopoulos.com . Mastodon: @lorenzofb@infosec.exchange Bluesky: Zack Whittaker / @zackwhittaker : Incredible reporting from @lorenzofb.bsky.social on how Barcelona became an unlikely hub for spyware startups and exploit makers. Critics say spyware makers on Europe's front door is a problem, given human rights abuses involving spyware deployed against EU citizens. — techcrunch.com/2025/01/13/h... Ron Deibert / @rondeibert : Only two and half years ago, we @citizenlab.ca uncovered a massive domestic surveillance operation in Spain 🇪🇸 — catalonia.citizenlab.ca — Now, perhaps ironically, Barcelona has become home to a thriving spyware industry. @lorenzofb.bsky.social investigates: … Vas Panagiotopoulos / @vaspanagiotopoulos.com : Having 🇪🇸Barcelona become a crucial regional outpost for offensive cybersecurity companies puts the #spyware problem squarely on the doorstep of 🇪🇺Europe, writes @lorenzofb.bsky.social. — techcrunch.com/2025/01/13/h... Mastodon: Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai / @lorenzofb@infosec … : NEW: I looked into how Barcelona became an unexpected hotbed for spyware startups in recent years. — There are now companies led by Israelis, French, and Italian security researchers. We name some in the article. — Some people in civil society see this as a concerning development. …