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Pegasus Spyware Maker NSO Group Found Liable for Attacks on 1,400 WhatsApp Users
A significant ruling has been made in a lawsuit brought by Meta’s WhatsApp against the organization behind the notorious Pegasus spyware, NSO Group. According to reports from The Record, a judge has found NSO Group liable for attacks on approximately 1,400 devices.
WhatsApp originally filed the suit in 2019, alleging that NSO Group had used its Pegasus spyware to hack phones belonging to individuals, including journalists, activists, and government officials. Investigations have consistently shown that Pegasus has been employed to target these groups’ mobile devices, raising concerns about the erosion of privacy and the misuse of surveillance technology.
The ruling holds NSO Group accountable for charges related to violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, violation of the California Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act, and breach of contract. This marks a significant victory for WhatsApp, as it could set a precedent for other companies in the same business.
The judge has rejected NSO Group’s arguments that it should not be held liable, citing the fact that its clients were using the spyware to investigate crimes and cases of national security. However, this reasoning was deemed insufficient by the court, which concluded that NSO Group’s actions constituted illegal spying.
In a statement on Twitter, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart hailed the ruling as a “huge win for privacy.” He emphasized that the company had spent five years gathering evidence to present its case, believing that spyware companies could not hide behind immunity or avoid accountability for their unlawful actions. Cathcart stressed that surveillance companies should take note: illegal spying will no longer be tolerated.
NSO Group has yet to respond to a request for comment on the matter.
This ruling sends a powerful message to the world of surveillance and cyber espionage: those who engage in illegal activities using spyware or other means will face consequences.
Source: www.theverge.com
