A U.S. federal court has delivered a landmark ruling against the Israeli spyware maker NSO Group, ordering it to permanently stop targeting WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms owned by Meta Platforms.
The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton, marks a major victory for Meta after a six-year legal battle. The 25-page decision not only issued a permanent injunction against NSO’s attempts to hack WhatsApp but also slashed the punitive damages from US$167 million (RM705 million) to US$4 million.
The NSO Group, infamous for its Pegasus spyware, has faced global scrutiny for allegedly aiding surveillance and human rights abuses by exploiting software vulnerabilities. Pegasus, capable of infiltrating smartphones without detection, was reportedly used to monitor journalists, activists, and political figures worldwide.
In court documents, NSO warned that banning it from targeting WhatsApp could “put the company out of business.” Despite the financial relief from reduced damages, the injunction represents a severe blow to its operations.
WhatsApp Chief Will Cathcart celebrated the verdict on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Today’s ruling bans spyware maker NSO from ever targeting WhatsApp and our global users again. We applaud this decision that comes after six years of litigation to hold NSO accountable for targeting members of civil society.”
NSO maintains that its tools are designed to combat terrorism and serious crime, not suppress freedoms. The company emphasized that the injunction does not extend to its government clients, who it claims will continue using its technology “to help protect public safety.”
Recently, NSO Group was acquired by a consortium led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds, signaling possible changes in its future direction. However, with mounting international pressure and reputational challenges, the company faces an uncertain road ahead.
