New Documentary ‘Surveilled’ Unveils Global Spyware Use by Governments

In the new documentary «Surveilled,» Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow traverses the globe to investigate the multi-billion-dollar advanced spyware industry, revealing that its reach extends beyond repressive regimes to include democratic governments spying on their citizens. «In recent years, we have seen a succession of Western democracies, where people really thought, ‘It can’t happen here,’ have these scandals,» Farrow comments, illuminating the precarious balance between national security and individual privacy.

The documentary, directed by Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz and making its debut at DOC NYC, scrutinizes the ethical and legal challenges of the digital spy industry. It highlights how democratic states, under the semblance of security, employ spyware technologies, historically associated with autocratic governments.

A central piece of Farrow’s investigation focuses on the Israeli spyware company NSO Group‘s software, Pegasus. According to Farrow’s reporting, Pegasus is deployed by many governments worldwide to surveil individuals, including journalists and dissidents. A former employee of NSO described the software as «very powerful» and «intrusive,» capable of accessing smartphones, including encrypted apps, GPS data, and even turning on cameras or microphones without the user’s knowledge.

Farrow began investigating the spyware industry after being subjected to cyber surveillance during his reporting on Harvey Weinstein, which was pivotal in the 2017 #MeToo movement. He shares, «It was personally frightening and devastating. It’s not just information gathering; there is a dimension of intimidation to it.» His exploration highlights the increasing threat spyware poses to journalistic freedom and democratic institutions.

The documentary also delves into the ethical concerns raised by the deployment of such technologies by the United States. Recent revelations about the Department of Homeland Security‘s contract with the Israeli company Paragon further stoked fears about domestic surveillance’s reach and the potential spillover to agencies like ICE.

«Surveilled» makes a compelling case for increased scrutiny and regulation of spyware technology, underscoring the danger these tools pose to privacy and civil liberties. An interview with U.S. Congressman Jim Himes reiterates the need for law enforcement to adhere to civil liberties rigorously, though the challenge remains significant.

The documentary’s stark findings emphasize the urgent need for awareness and action among citizens and policymakers to protect privacy in the digital age. «Once [spyware tools] are out in the world, any nefarious use that we can imagine, we’re probably going to see,» notes Nathaniel Fick, State Department’s ambassador-at-large for its cybersecurity division.

«Surveilled,» streaming on Max, provides an alarming look at the spyware industry’s reach into everyday life, challenging assumptions of safety and privacy within supposed bastions of democracy.