Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile3 entries
2026
Researchers say Israeli ad company helped spyware firm target Al Jazeera through online ads
Issue disclosure
Researchers reported that an Israeli advertising company helped a spyware firm target Al Jazeera through online ads. The headline does not name the ad company or the spyware firm, and no company response is reported.
Source excerpt
Israeli ad company helped a spyware firm target Al Jazeera through online ads, researchers say
2026
Al Jazeera reporters reportedly targeted by spyware delivered through ads
Issue disclosure
According to a report, The Citizen Lab attributed spyware targeting Al Jazeera reporters to an attack involving Discover-Tech and Integrity Labs. The report states that Integrity Labs supplied the spyware, while Discover-Tech provided the means to inject it through its Controlium ad platform. The account describes the operation as a combined effort in which the spyware was delivered via advertising technology. The report does not provide further details on the scope of the targeting, the number of individuals affected, or the outcome of the alleged attack.
The Citizen Lab reportedly attributed spyware targeting Al Jazeera reporters to an attack involving Discover-Tech and Integrity Labs. The article says Integrity Labs supplied the spyware and Discover-Tech provided the means to inject it through its Controlium ad platform.
Source excerpt
According to The Citizen Lab, these two companies worked hand in hand to carry out the attack — Integrity Labs supplied the spyware, while Discover-Tech provided the means to inject the malware via its ad platform known as Controlium.
Recently, the news outlet Al Jazeera stated that its reporters had been bugged thanks to spyware.
2017
Dispute over Al Jazeera during the Qatar diplomatic crisis
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt demanded the closure of Al Jazeera as part of their conditions during the diplomatic crisis and blockade of Qatar. Critics of the network cited alleged alignment with Qatar’s foreign policy, while press-freedom advocates opposed efforts to shut it down.