# NSO Group to Pay Nearly $168M to Meta’s WhatsApp for 2019 Hacking
A federal jury in California has delivered a landmark verdict, ordering Israeli firm NSO Group to pay nearly $168 million in punitive damages to Meta Platforms for installing malware on its WhatsApp messaging app six years ago. This significant judgment marks a major win for Meta and sets a precedent for the accountability of spyware vendors like NSO Group.
In December 2024, a judge ruled that NSO, with its Pegasus software, had hacked and surveilled around 1,400 WhatsApp users without authorization. The incident dates back to 2019 when WhatsApp originally filed a lawsuit against NSO, alleging that the company's spyware had compromised the privacy of its users.
The punitive damages award, which amounts to about $167.3 million, will also cover compensatory damages of $440,000. This verdict serves as a crucial deterrent for malicious spyware vendors like NSO Group, who have been known to target human rights activists, journalists, diplomats, and others in civil society without their knowledge or consent.
NSO has long maintained that its software assists law enforcement and intelligence agencies in fighting crime and protecting national security. However, WhatsApp has countered that the Pegasus spyware used by NSO is capable of compromising any app installed on a device, including financial information, location data, emails, text messages, and even remote activation of the phone's microphone and camera.
In a blog post announcing the verdict, WhatsApp highlighted the significance of this case as "the first victory against illegal spyware that threatens the safety and privacy of everyone." The company stated that the jury's decision to hold NSO accountable for its malicious actions will serve as a critical deterrent to this industry, which has long been plagued by corruption and abuse.
WhatsApp has announced plans to seek a court order to prevent NSO from ever targeting it again. Meta Platforms, on the other hand, is facing a "long road ahead" to collect the awarded damages, but this verdict marks an important step towards holding spyware vendors accountable for their actions.
The implications of this case will be far-reaching, as it highlights the need for greater regulation and accountability in the tech industry. As WhatsApp continues to fight for user rights and security, one thing is clear: the days of unbridled spyware abuse are coming to an end.
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