US Jury Orders NSO to Pay $168 Million to Meta for WhatsApp Spyware Attack

A federal jury has ordered Israeli spyware maker NSO Group to pay nearly $168 million to Meta Platforms after finding that NSO illegally installed its Pegasus spyware on the phones of more than 1,000 WhatsApp users, violating U.S. and California laws. The damages include over $167 million in punitive damages and nearly $445,000 in compensatory damages to cover Meta's costs in addressing the attack. This verdict is seen as a landmark victory for privacy advocates and human rights organizations, as Pegasus is infamous for enabling covert surveillance of victims' devices. The case, which took over five years to litigate, marks the most significant financial penalty to date against a company in the government spyware industry. NSO Group, which argued it should be exempt from liability due to its work with government agencies, is expected to appeal the decision. The ruling underscores ongoing global debates surrounding governmental surveillance powers and individual privacy rights.