NSO Spyware Targeted 1,223 WhatsApp Users Across 51 Countries

A recent court document reveals that NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware targeted 1,223 WhatsApp users across 51 countries during a 2019 hacking campaign, with Mexico having the highest number of victims at 456, followed by India with 100. The lawsuit, filed by Meta against NSO Group, highlighted that the spyware exploited a vulnerability in WhatsApp, affecting numerous human rights activists, journalists, and civil society members. The document provides insights into the geographical distribution of victims, indicating that while many were from the Global South, countries like the US, UK, and France also reported cases, albeit fewer in number. The court has ruled in favor of Meta, rejecting NSO's defenses, and further proceedings will determine damages. The scale of the targeting is alarming, especially considering many victims remained unaware of the breach. The case underscores ongoing concerns about the misuse of surveillance technology by governments and their implications for privacy and security.