US Court Permanently Bans NSO Group From Targeting WhatsApp Users
A US federal court has issued a permanent injunction against Israel’s NSO Group, permanently banning the spyware firm from targeting Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp users. The landmark ruling concludes six years of litigation and represents a major victory for user privacy.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent injunction prevents NSO Group from accessing WhatsApp users
- Court reduced NSO’s penalty payment from $167 million to approximately $4 million
- Ruling follows 2019 lawsuit alleging cyberespionage against journalists and activists
Court Ruling and Penalty Reduction
A federal judge approved WhatsApp’s request for a permanent injunction against NSO Group. The court also significantly reduced the financial penalty the spyware company must pay Meta. Originally set at over $167 million by a jury, US District Judge Phyllis Hamilton limited the damages ratio to 9:1, lowering the total payment to around $4 million. The judge found insufficient evidence to classify NSO’s actions as “particularly egregious.”
WhatsApp Head Welcomes Decision
Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp, announced the ruling on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Today’s ruling bans spyware maker NSO from ever targeting WhatsApp and our global users again.” He added: “We applaud this decision that comes after six years of litigation to hold NSO accountable for targeting members of civil society. It sets an important precedent that there are serious consequences to attacking an American company.”
Background on NSO Group and Pegasus Spyware
NSO Group, founded in 2010 and based in Herzliya, Israel, is known for its Pegasus spyware. The sophisticated software is reportedly capable of remotely activating smartphones’ cameras and microphones. The 2019 lawsuit alleged that NSO Group engaged in cyberespionage by targeting journalists, lawyers, human rights activists, and other individuals through WhatsApp, affecting more than 1,400 users.
