Spyware Sanction: U.S. Court Bans NSO Group from Targeting WhatsApp Users
A U.S. federal court has ordered Israeli spyware maker NSO Group to cease all surveillance and unauthorized monitoring activities targeting users of the encrypted messaging platform WhatsApp.
In a landmark verdict delivered on Saturday, October 18, California federal judge Phyllis Hamilton issued a permanent injunction against the company, while reducing the compensation amount from $167 million to $4 million in the lawsuit filed by WhatsApp.
According to the ruling, NSO Group’s actions caused “irreparable harm” to WhatsApp users, undermining their digital privacy and cybersecurity.
The NSO Group has long claimed that its Pegasus spyware is sold exclusively to governments and law enforcement agencies to combat crime and terrorism. However, WhatsApp alleged that the same technology had been used to hack the mobile phones of journalists, human rights activists, and ordinary citizens.
Technology experts hailed the ruling as a historic victory for data protection and digital privacy, emphasizing its significance in the global fight against intrusive surveillance tools.
With online communication and mobile app usage rapidly increasing worldwide, including in Bangladesh, analysts believe this decision will heighten awareness of digital security and privacy rights.
Reacting to the verdict on X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart said, “Today’s ruling permanently bans the spyware maker NSO Group — they can no longer target WhatsApp or our global users. We welcome this ruling, which after six years of litigation delivers justice and holds NSO accountable for spying on members of civil society.”
Executives from Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, also welcomed the decision, describing it as a “major victory for digital security and user privacy.”
In a statement following the judgment, NSO Group said it “welcomes the court’s decision,” particularly noting the 97% reduction in damages as a “fair and positive development.” The company stated, “Our technology has always been used to combat serious crime and terrorism. The injunction does not apply to our clients, who will continue to use our technology to protect public safety.”
NSO added that it would review the full judgment before determining its “next course of action.”
Analysts, however, argue that despite NSO’s public stance of promoting public safety, the use of such spyware continues to raise global concerns about digital privacy violations and human rights abuses.
The case originated in 2019, when Meta-owned WhatsApp alleged that NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware was used in cyberattacks to infiltrate the phones of journalists, human rights defenders, and government officials.
