A US court has ordered Israel’s NSO Group that makes Pegasus spyware to permanently stop attempting to break into Meta-owned WhatsApp messaging service, a ruling the spyware company warned could threaten its business viability. US District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton issued a 25-page ruling this week imposing a permanent injunction against NSO’s efforts to target WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used communication platforms.Hamilton also significantly reduced the punitive damages NSO owes Meta, cutting the award from approximately $167 million to $4 million. Despite this financial relief, the injunction remains in place, news agency Reuters reported.
Why US ruling is ‘challenge’ for NSO group
The ruling presents a major challenge to NSO, which has for years faced accusations of facilitating human rights abuses through its flagship hacking tool, Pegasus. The spyware exploits vulnerabilities in commonly used software, with WhatsApp being one of its primary targets.NSO had previously argued that an injunction preventing attacks on WhatsApp would “put NSO’s entire enterprise at risk” and “force NSO out of business.” The court rejected these arguments and issued the permanent injunction anyway.
Meta and WhatsApp response
Meta executives welcomed the decision. WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart said 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 punitive damages and stated that the injunction does not apply to NSO’s customers, “who will continue using the company’s technology to help protect public safety.” The company said it would review the decision and “determine its next steps accordingly.”NSO has consistently maintained that its products combat serious crime and terrorism. NSO was recently purchased by a group led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds, according to tech publication TechCrunch.
