A U.S. federal court has ordered Israeli spyware firm NSO Group to permanently stop targeting Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp service — a ruling the company says could threaten its survival.
In a 25-page decision issued Friday, U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton granted a permanent injunction barring NSO from attempting to hack into WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms.
The ruling follows a years-long legal battle between Meta and NSO over the use of Pegasus, the company’s powerful surveillance software. Pegasus exploits vulnerabilities in common applications to covertly access devices — and WhatsApp has been among its major targets.
Alongside the injunction, Judge Hamilton dramatically reduced the punitive damages NSO owes Meta, cutting them from approximately $167 million to $4 million.
The injunction represents a major setback for NSO, which has faced repeated allegations that its software has been used by governments to spy on journalists, activists, and political figures worldwide.
According to court filings, NSO argued that such a ban “would put NSO’s entire enterprise at risk” and “force the company out of business.”
Meta welcomed the court’s ruling.
“Today’s decision bans spyware maker NSO from ever targeting WhatsApp and our global users again,” said Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We applaud this outcome after six years of litigation to hold NSO accountable for targeting members of civil society.”
NSO, for its part, said it welcomed the 97% reduction in damages and stressed that the injunction does not extend to its government clients, who it says “will continue using the company’s technology to help protect public safety.” The firm added that it will “review the decision and determine its next steps accordingly.”
Earlier this month, TechCrunch reported that NSO had been acquired by a group led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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Source:Africa Publicity
