Italian politicians are calling for enhanced protection of citizens' online data in the wake of a hacking scheme that targeted sensitive public information. Prosecutors in Milan revealed that a private investigative agency breached law enforcement, tax authority, and other critical data, compromising the information of at least 800,000 Italians in incidents dating back to 2022. The agency allegedly compiled dossiers on top Italian business and political figures for a fee, with ongoing investigations to determine the extent of officials targeted.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani labeled the breach as a 'threat to democracy,' prompting the opposition Democratic Party to urge Premier Giorgia Meloni to address parliament regarding data protection measures. The investigation has resulted in four individuals, including a former law enforcement official who operated the investigative agency at the center of the probe, being placed under house arrest. Additionally, the alleged lead hacker and 20 others, including prominent business figures, are under investigation following the announcement on Saturday.
