Meta Wins $168M Verdict Against NSO Group Over WhatsApp Spyware Breach

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A U.S. federal jury has awarded Meta Platforms $168 million in damages against Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group. This concluded a six-year legal battle over the unauthorized use of Pegasus spyware on WhatsApp users. The verdict includes $167.3 million in punitive damages and $444,719 in compensatory damages.

The case stemmed from a 2019 incident where NSO exploited a vulnerability in WhatsApp’s video calling feature to install Pegasus spyware on approximately 1,400 devices. Targets included journalists, activists, and diplomats. The spyware allowed unauthorized access to messages, emails, and real-time surveillance through microphones and cameras.

Also read: Meta’s AI Chatbots Allegedly Had Sexual Conversations with Minors – Here’s What the Investigation Found

NSO Group, which maintains that its technology is used responsibly by government agencies to prevent crime and terrorism, plans to appeal the decision. The firm has faced global scrutiny for alleged abuses, with surveillance activities reported in several countries. This ruling underscores the growing legal challenges faced by spyware vendors and highlights the importance of safeguarding digital privacy against unauthorized surveillance.

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