US Court Permanently Bans NSO Group From Targeting WhatsApp
A US federal court has issued a permanent injunction ordering Israel’s NSO Group to stop all attempts to hack into Meta-owned WhatsApp, dealing a significant blow to the controversial spyware maker.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent US court ban prohibits NSO from targeting WhatsApp
- Punitive damages reduced from $167M to $4M
- NSO warned injunction threatens its business viability
- Court rejected NSO’s arguments about business impact
Court Ruling Details
US District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton issued a 25-page ruling this week imposing the permanent ban against NSO’s efforts to target WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used communication platforms. While significantly reducing punitive damages from approximately $167 million to just $4 million, the judge maintained the injunction.
Major Challenge for NSO Group
The ruling presents a substantial challenge to NSO, which has faced years of accusations of facilitating human rights abuses through its flagship Pegasus spyware. The software exploits vulnerabilities in commonly used applications, with WhatsApp being a primary target.
NSO had argued that preventing attacks on WhatsApp would “put NSO’s entire enterprise at risk” and “force NSO out of business,” but the court rejected these arguments and issued the permanent injunction regardless.
Company Responses
Meta executives welcomed the decision. WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart stated on X: “Today’s ruling bans spyware maker NSO from ever targeting WhatsApp and our global users again. We applaud this decision that comes after six years of litigation to hold NSO accountable for targeting members of civil society.”
NSO said it welcomed the 97% reduction in damages and clarified that the injunction doesn’t apply to its customers, who “will continue using the company’s technology to help protect public safety.” The company will review the decision and determine next steps.
NSO maintains its products combat serious crime and terrorism. The company was recently purchased by a group led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds.
