NSO Group, the company behind the notorious Pegasus spyware, has been found liable for a series of attacks targeting approximately 1,400 WhatsApp users.
The lawsuit, filed by Meta in 2019, accused NSO Group of using Pegasus to hack devices belonging to journalists, activists, and government officials.
A recent ruling determined that NSO Group violated several laws, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the California Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act, and breach of contract. The case will now proceed to trial to determine damages.
Despite NSO Group’s defense that the spyware was used by clients investigating crimes and national security, the judge rejected these arguments.
This ruling could set a significant legal precedent for other companies involved in surveillance.
WhatsApp head Will Cathcart celebrated the ruling, emphasizing the importance of holding spyware companies accountable for unlawful actions.
The case marks a significant victory for privacy advocates.
