NGO denounces purchase of software “spy” – ABC Color

The local NGO Tedic (Technology, Education, Development, Research and Communication) said the government bought a computer program called FinFisher, used to monitor communications of citizens through the Internet.

On the occasion of International Day of Safe Internet to be held tomorrow, Tedic released a report that is concerned about this and other “evidencing unsafe practices and violate fundamental rights. “

FinFisher also serves to remotely turn cell phones are off, and stops video calls through the Skype program and recognizes the keyboard writing, the NGO reported.

the report by the executive director of the organization, attorney Maricarmen Sequera, Tedic calls on the authorities to implement “the right to not violate rights enshrined in the Constitution guarantees”.

also considered necessary that “the Government, as part of a policy of transparency and effective accountability, issue reports on the criminal proceedings and intelligence activities carried out, among others.”

according Tedic, Paraguay has legal frameworks against surveillance of communications and guarantees against interference and the use of state force against the liberties of the people.

But stressed that “recent research” shows that Paraguay government “has acquired technology for eavesdropping, it has contacted the Italian company Hacking Team, which provides software for mass surveillance and acquired FinFisher” software which monitors communications from any user on the Internet.

Sequera told Efe that the Paraguayan government may be using these tools to “vigilance against government opponents, activists and journalists.”

“it may actually be using it against businessmen and entrepreneurs, and it this sector produces on the Internet is an asset, “he stressed.

he further stated that without the minimum standards to safeguard the guarantees of fundamental rights could produce a” leakage of private information “gathering these programs computer.

“If the private information that it collects and monitors with software monitoring leaks, the privacy of individuals, but the democratic system it puts not only in danger,” he said.

the Paraguayan NGO Tedic is known for leading the fight against a bill that was rejected in Congress after a campaign dubbed him “pyrawebs” a game that mixes the concept of web page with the term Guarani language “pyragué”, with which it was known in Paraguay to informers and infiltrators Police dictatorship (1954-1989).

the online campaign went viral because of the sensitivity that exists in the country by the fresh memory of the military regime that created the famous “Terror Files”, documents containing records of political affiliation and other personal data, used to suppress hundreds of thousands of people in South America.