TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Western intelligence agencies have pointed to an increased threat of China using malicious mobile phone applications to monitor Taiwanese independence activists.

Cybersecurity agencies in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Germany issued an advisory on Tuesday about malicious surveillance software being used by a Chinese contractor, Reuters reported. Those most at risk of being targeted are Taiwanese independence advocates, Tibetan rights activists, Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang, democracy advocates such as those in Hong Kong, and the Falun Gong spiritual movement. 

The Chinese contractor, Sichuan Dianke Network Security Technology Co., Ltd., based in Chengdu, has previously provided services to China’s Ministry of Public Security. The company was linked to two malware packages, “BADBAZAAR” and “MOONSHINE,” used to “ferret information from mobile devices while also giving operators remote access to devices’ cameras, microphones, and location data,” the advisory said. 

The advisory added the warning was for NGOs, journalists, businesses, and individuals representing the groups. It added that the indiscriminate way this spyware spreads online could also infect unintended victims.

The advisory cited previous cybersecurity industry reporting by Intelligence Online on Jan. 29. The report said the Chinese contractor has used malware and infrastructure for several years.

The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. told Reuters that Beijing condemned the accusations and dismissed the advisory as unfounded speculation.