Maker of Pegasus spyware told to pay $167m for WhatsApp hack

The Israeli company NSO Group has been ordered to pay WhatsApp a hefty sum of $167 million for hacking into the phones of 1,400 individuals back in 2019. This hacking was carried out using a type of malicious software known as Pegasus. Pegasus is a dangerous program that can be installed on mobile phones without the owner's knowledge, allowing hackers to access sensitive information, including the phone's microphone and camera. NSO Group, which markets this technology, has faced serious accusations of enabling oppressive governments to spy on journalists, activists, and even political leaders. WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, has declared this ruling a significant victory in the fight against the development and use of illegal spyware. In response to the verdict, NSO Group stated that they would thoroughly review the details of the decision and consider their legal options, including the possibility of an appeal. This case marks a historic moment as it is the first time a spyware developer has been held accountable for exploiting vulnerabilities in smartphone systems. NSO Group maintains that their technology is intended solely for use against serious criminals and terrorists. However, there are numerous allegations that the software has been misused by certain countries to target individuals they consider a threat to national security. The Pegasus scandal erupted in 2021 when a list of 50,000 phone numbers belonging to suspected hacking victims was leaked to major media outlets. Journalists were able to identify numerous high-profile individuals on this list, including politicians, business executives, activists, and members of Arab royal families, as well as over 180 journalists. Investigative group The Citizen Lab has reported that Pegasus spyware has infected many devices. Among the prominent figures believed to have been targeted is a journalist who was a vocal critic of the Saudi Arabian government and was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. In addition to the $167 million payment, NSO Group has also been ordered to pay WhatsApp $444,000 in damages. This ruling comes after a lengthy six-year legal battle between the social media giant and the Israeli surveillance firm. A spokesperson for WhatsApp stated that the jury's decision to impose damages on NSO is a crucial deterrent against the malicious practices of this industry aimed at American companies. NSO Group responded by asserting their belief that their technology plays a vital role in preventing serious crime and terrorism and is used responsibly by authorized government agencies. WhatsApp's success in this case may open the door for other technology companies to pursue legal action against NSO Group for the use of Pegasus spyware on their platforms.