ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship PEGASUS TO SCARE PEOPLE INTO SILENCE According to a disquieting report published by Unfortunately, since the release of the Indonesia IndonesiaLeaks in June 2023, the insidious Pegasus Leaks report, there have been no discernible efforts spyware has been active in Indonesia since 2018, from the government to publicly address the concerns targeting a wide range of individuals, including raised regarding the acquisition practices related to activists, investigative journalists, media outlets, Pegasus. While the report does include a statement and politicians. from Indonesian Police (POLRI) asserting that they 94 This highly intrusive tool, created by the Israeli company NSO Group, operates without the device owner’s involvement and has been licenced to governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Its primary objective is to stealthily collect information from a compromised device and send it to a third party without the owner’s knowledge or consent.95 The programme shockingly infiltrated Indonesia via international shipment.96 The use of spyware constitutes one of the most egregious invasions of privacy, as it monitors the most intimate mobile device activities. Regrettably, authoritarian regimes around the world have adopted not dispute the accuracy of the zero-click acquisition method mentioned in the report. The Indonesian Corruption Watch submitted a public information request on Oct. 7, 2023 regarding this issue, and according to regulations, law enforcement is required to respond within 14 days of receiving such requests. As of the end of 2023, there has been no response from the police.99 It appears that the acquisition practices detailed in the report may extend beyond Pegasus, as per information gathered from Indonesian Leaks, which could encompass various software or tools.100 Pegasus as a tool for monitoring and Furthermore, the investigation revealed silencing human rights defenders, activists, a significant lead involving a company and journalists who venture to expose corruption and abuses of power. It is crucial to named PT Mandala Wangi Kreasindo, which had procured intelligence-related software from recognise that certain forms of expression, which a subsidiary of NSO Group known as Q Cyber may not legitimately fall under the designation Technologies. This suggests a third-party connection of terrorist activities or within the boundaries of in the acquisition process. Additionally, when terrorism definitions, are unjustly deemed illegal.97 examining the acquisition made by Polda Metro Pegasus compromises the privacy of all types of personal information, including online and offline communications. This permits governments and affiliated entities to intercept sensitive information, exposing individuals to harassment, intimidation, and potential threats to their safety. Dangerously severe consequences await those who venture to disagree, discouraging many from engaging in political activities and compelling them to selfcensorship.98 94 do not utilise Pegasus, it is noteworthy that they do Jaya, a branch of Polri, during the years 2017-2018, it was facilitated through a private company called PT Radika Karya Principal, with a clear link to zeroclick technology, strongly indicative of Pegasus. This aligns with the prevailing understanding that Pegasus is the foremost and most advanced tool globally for implementing spyware via the zero-click method, as repeatedly emphasised in reports by various international agencies. In essence, it appears that despite utilising third-party intermediaries, these tools continue to find their way into Indonesia.101 Dawn of Digital Dictatorship: Weaponizing the Law Against Online Speech in Southeast Asia