US Court Holds NSO Group Liable for Hacking WhatsApp Using Pegasus Spyware
A US court has ruled against Israeli spyware firm NSO Group, holding it liable for hacking WhatsApp using Pegasus spyware. The court’s decision marks a significant victory for privacy and accountability in digital surveillance. Read more for detailed insights.
US Court Rules Against NSO Group for Hacking WhatsApp with Pegasus Spyware
In a landmark decision, a US court has held Israeli spyware firm NSO Group liable for hacking WhatsApp. The court found that NSO Group exploited a bug in the messaging app to install its Pegasus spyware, enabling unauthorized surveillance. This ruling marks a significant victory for privacy advocates and accountability in the digital age.
Background
The lawsuit dates back to 2019 when WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, accused NSO Group of exploiting a vulnerability in WhatsApp to install Pegasus spyware on around 1,400 devices. These devices included those of journalists, human rights activists, and other individuals targeted for surveillance.
Court Ruling
US District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland, California, granted a motion by WhatsApp and found NSO Group liable for hacking and breach of contract. The court ruled that NSO violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the California Computer Data Access and Fraud Act (CDAFA) by sending malicious messages through WhatsApp servers to compromise user devices. The case will now proceed to trial to determine the damages NSO must pay.
NSO Group’s Defense
NSO Group argued that its Pegasus spyware is designed to assist law enforcement and intelligence agencies in combating crime and protecting national security. The company claimed it was not liable for its clients’ actions and that Pegasus was operated by government agencies. However, the court rejected this defense, holding NSO Group responsible for its role in the hacking.
Reactions
Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, celebrated the ruling as a win for privacy and accountability. He stated, “We spent five years presenting our case because we firmly believe that spyware companies could not hide behind immunity or avoid accountability for their unlawful actions.” Cybersecurity experts have also welcomed the judgment, calling it a landmark ruling with significant implications for the spyware industry.
The court’s decision emphasizes the importance of protecting user privacy and holding surveillance companies accountable for their actions. As the case moves to trial to determine damages, it serves as a reminder that illegal spying and unauthorized surveillance will not be tolerated.
