Electronic surveillance

Mexican spy scandal escalates as study shows software targeted opposition

The text messages seemed innocuous enough when they buzzed on to the smartphone of Roberto Gil, a senior member of Mexico’s opposition National Action Party.

“I wanted to share this report from [the Mexican newsweekly] Proceso where your name is mentioned,” said one.

“My husband just died. I’m sending you information about the wake,” read another.

“Do you see what the PRD [another opposition party] is saying about us? Take a look,” said the third message.

Each message carried a link, however, and, once clicked, they would have immediately allowed sophisticated spy software to infect Gil’s phone, tracking keystrokes, accessing contact lists and taking control of the phone’s cameras and microphone.