A US judge has ruled that Israeli spyware maker NSO Group violated hacking laws by using its Pegasus surveillance software to use WhatsApp.
in one A historic verdict on Friday, A federal judge in Northern California has ruled that NSO Group targeted the devices of 1,400 WhatsApp users. Violating state and federal hacking laws, as well as WhatsApp's terms of service, prohibits using the messaging platform for malicious purposes.
The ruling comes five years later. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, filed a lawsuit against NSO Group.The spyware outfit allegedly used it. Voice call vulnerability on the messaging platform to install its Pegasus spyware on unsuspecting users' devices. Human rights defenders Journalists and “other members of civil society” have been targeted by the malware, along with government officials and diplomats, WhatsApp said.
In its judgment, Judge Phyllis Hamilton did not dispute that NSO had to “reverse-engine and delete the WhatsApp software” to install its Pegasus spyware on devices, but questioned whether it agreed to WhatsApp's terms. Service.
However, The judge said NSO had “no plausible explanation” as to how NSO could have done so without agreeing to the terms of service, ruling that “NSO must have access to WhatsApp in the first place”.
Hamilton noted that NSO has repeatedly failed to provide relevant discovery, including the Pegasus source code, even as the court required it to be transferred. She said NSO refused to produce internal communications, including communications about WhatsApp vulnerabilities.
“The NSO's lack of compliance with discovery orders raises concerns about their transparency and willingness to cooperate in the judicial process,” the judge said.
In a statement to TechCrunch, Meta spokeswoman Emily Westcott said WhatsApp welcomes Friday's ruling.
“NSO is WhatsApp; Journalists “They can no longer avoid accountability for their unlawful attacks on human rights activists and civil society,” she said. “By this judgment, It should be noted that spyware companies will not tolerate their illegal actions. Thank you to the many organizations that supported this cause against the NSO. WhatsApp will never work again to protect people's private communications.”
Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp, described the ruling as a “huge victory for privacy”. A post on X.
NSO spokesman Gil Lainer declined to comment. The NSO has previously argued that Pegasus helps law enforcement and intelligence agencies fight crime and protect national security.
The case will now go to trial in March 2025 and a jury will decide on the damages that NSO Group should pay WhatsApp.