Israeli Spy Firm NSO Fined $170M by Meta and WhatsApp for Hacking Scandal

A federal jury in California ruled on Tuesday that Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group must compensate Meta and WhatsApp with almost $170 million for allegedly hacking roughly 1,400 users of the messaging service.

The company behind the Pegasus spying software must pay $167,256,000 in punitive damages along with an additional $440,000 in compensatory damages. This ruling stands as a victory for privacy supporters and Meta, following six years of legal battles.

In 2019, WhatsApp filed a lawsuit against NSO Group following the discovery that Pegasus had been employed to infiltrate the devices of WhatsApp users. Earlier reports indicated that Pegasus had also been used to target individuals involved in human rights issues. activists and reporters .

“The ruling today in WhatsApp's lawsuit marks a significant advancement for privacy and security, representing the initial triumph over the creation and deployment of illicit surveillance tools that endanger the well-being and confidentiality of all individuals,” said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Today, the verdict compelling NSO, a well-known international provider of malicious surveillance software, to compensate for damages serves as an important warning to this harmful sector regarding their unlawful activities targeting American businesses and the privacy and security of the individuals we protect," the communication app owned by Meta stated further.

On Tuesday, NSO Group indicated that this development represents "an additional phase in an extended legal proceeding." The firm maintains that their technology is essential for thwarting significant criminal activities and acts of terror, emphasizing that these tools are utilized appropriately by governmental entities with proper authorization.

Gil Lainer, NSO Group’s vice president of global communications, stated in an email to The Hill, "This viewpoint, supported by substantial real-world proof and various security missions that have safeguarded countless lives, including those of Americans, wasn’t taken into account during the deliberations of this particular trial." He added, "We plan to thoroughly review all aspects of the ruling and seek out suitable legal actions, which may involve additional hearings as well as an appeal."

The decision followed a ruling made by a judge in December of last year. NSO Group was liable For attacks aimed at roughly 1,400 devices and mobile phones.

“In this specific case, we know we have a long road ahead to collect awarded damages from NSO and we plan to do so,” WhatsApp said. “Ultimately, we would like to make a donation to digital rights organizations that are working to defend people against such attacks around the world.”

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