An investigation by the Pegasus Project, a consortium of international media outlets, has revealed that the infrastructure of Maroc Telecom, Morocco's leading telecommunications company, was used by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) for surveillance operations. The findings, based on leaked data from NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, indicate that the DGST, Morocco's intelligence agency, employed Maroc Telecom's network to monitor journalists, human rights activists, and political figures.
According to reports from The Guardian and other consortium members, the surveillance targeted at least 600 individuals in Morocco, including prominent figures such as journalist Omar Radi and human rights activist Maati Monjib. The Pegasus spyware, developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, allows operators to remotely access mobile devices, extracting messages, photos, and recordings, as well as activating cameras and microphones.
Maroc Telecom, which is partially owned by the Moroccan state, has denied any knowledge or involvement in the surveillance activities. In a statement, the company said it complies with all legal obligations and respects user privacy. However, the Pegasus Project's analysis suggests that the DGST used Maroc Telecom's infrastructure to route surveillance traffic, potentially with the company's unwitting cooperation.
The Moroccan government has also denied allegations of widespread surveillance, calling the reports 'false and unfounded.' The government has not provided evidence to counter the consortium's findings. The Pegasus Project has called for independent investigations into the use of spyware by governments, and several countries, including France and the United States, have launched inquiries into NSO Group's activities.
As of July 2026, the controversy continues to strain diplomatic relations between Morocco and European nations, with some calling for sanctions. The Pegasus Project's revelations have sparked a global debate on the ethics of surveillance technology and the need for stronger regulations to protect human rights.
