WhatsApp Secures Pivotal Legal Victory Against NSO Group Over Spyware Misuse
WhatsApp won a landmark legal case on Friday, as a U.S. federal court ruled that Israeli spyware maker NSO Group violated key U.S. hacking laws and the platform’s terms of service. The decision marks a major step in holding spyware companies accountable for their role in cyberattacks.
The lawsuit, filed by WhatsApp in 2019, accused NSO Group of deploying its Pegasus spyware to target 1,400 devices in just two weeks. Those affected included prominent figures such as diplomats, journalists, human rights advocates, and political dissidents.
The court, presided over by Judge Phyllis Hamilton, found NSO Group in breach of both federal and state hacking statutes, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The company was also sanctioned for failing to comply with court orders, with a separate jury trial in March 2025 set to determine financial damages.
In response to the ruling, WhatsApp released a statement emphasizing the broader implications of the decision:
“After five years of litigation, we’re grateful for today’s decision. NSO can no longer avoid accountability for their unlawful attacks on WhatsApp, journalists, human rights activists, and civil society. With this ruling, spyware companies should be on notice that their illegal actions will not be tolerated.”
NSO Group’s Evasion Tactics Under Scrutiny
Throughout the litigation, NSO Group faced criticism for its lack of transparency. Despite being ordered to provide the Pegasus spyware source code by early 2024, the company limited access to its offices in Israel and restricted viewership to Israeli citizens. Judge Hamilton deemed these actions “impractical” and noted them as part of NSO Group’s ongoing noncompliance.
While the company has consistently claimed that its government clients control Pegasus’s use, court records revealed that NSO Group directly operated the spyware to infiltrate devices, extracting personal data such as emails, texts, and photos. NSO Group has not commented on the ruling.
Broader Impact on Spyware Oversight
This verdict is part of a larger crackdown on spyware misuse. Pegasus has been linked to high-profile cyberattacks conducted by authoritarian governments worldwide, sparking global debates over digital privacy. In 2021, the Biden administration blacklisted NSO Group, prohibiting U.S. agencies from engaging with the company.
Apple also pursued legal action against NSO Group but dropped its lawsuit in September 2024. WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts have now become a focal point in addressing the broader misuse of surveillance technologies.
As the March 2025 jury trial approaches, this case sends a strong message that spyware companies must adhere to legal standards or face severe consequences. The decision could set a global precedent for curbing illegal surveillance activities.
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