In a major court ruling, NSO Group is held liable for Pegasus spyware abuse on WhatsApp. Meta awarded $167.25 million in damages.
In a landmark verdict, a U.S. federal court has ordered NSO Group, the Israeli cybersecurity firm behind the notorious Pegasus spyware, to pay $167.25 million to Meta for hacking into approximately 1,400 WhatsApp users. The ruling caps a legal battle that began in 2019 and marks a major win for Meta—and for digital privacy advocates everywhere.
A Spyware Attack Hidden in a Missed Call
The lawsuit traces back to a shocking discovery made by Toronto-based Citizen Lab, which found that NSO’s Pegasus spyware was exploiting a vulnerability in WhatsApp. Pegasus could be installed via a missed video call. Once inside, Pegasus could activate your camera and microphone, read your emails and messages, and even track your location in real time.
The spyware was supposedly developed to help governments fight crime and terrorism. However, this was found being used against journalists, human rights activists, and political figures around the world.
Meta’s Message: No More Free Passes
Following the verdict, Meta released a statement framing the win as a much-needed wake-up call for the spyware-for-hire business. “This is a crucial step toward holding surveillance companies accountable,” Meta said, adding that it will continue pushing for legal orders to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The company also underscored its commitment to user privacy, calling the verdict a validation of its efforts to protect users—even against threats with powerful backers.
Why This Matters
The $167.25 million payout is more than just a financial penalty—it’s a legal milestone. For years, firms like NSO Group have operated in a legal gray zone, developing software with staggering capabilities and selling it to entities with questionable motives.
And with spyware concerns growing globally, this case might just become the blueprint for future litigation against surveillance vendors. So while missed calls might still be annoying, thanks to this ruling, they’re a little less dangerous.
