Hungarian intelligence services use the Israeli tool Webloc for mass surveillance through mobile app and advertising data. The system allows authorities to track the movements of hundreds of millions of users without their consent.
VSquare reported this in an investigation conducted with Citizen Lab.
Details
Investigators say Hungarian authorities rely on technology from Cobwebs Technologies, including the Webloc platform. The system analyzes geolocation data from smartphones collected via advertising identifiers. It enables authorities to map user movements in detail and track devices within defined areas.
In addition to Webloc, intelligence services use other Cobwebs tools. They use Tangles to monitor the internet and social media, and CoAnalyst to process large datasets. They also use tools to track cryptocurrency transactions. Developers have integrated some of these technologies with Hungarian software, including solutions linked to SCI-Network Ltd.
Journalists say at least three key Hungarian intelligence agencies have used these tools since 2022. Authorities renewed the latest licenses in March 2026, shortly before parliamentary elections.
Such use of technology may violate EU data protection rules under GDPR.
Context
Authorities have previously faced accusations of using Pegasus and Candiru against journalists, politicians, and business figures. Ahead of the 2026 elections, the opposition has also warned about the possible use of similar tools against its members.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that the opposition party “Tisza,” led by Péter Magyar, is significantly ahead of the ruling Fidesz party of current Prime Minister Viktor Órban ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections
