Meta's WhatsApp Wins $168 Million Verdict Against Pegasus Spyware Maker NSO Group For 2019 Hack

In a significant victory for Meta Platforms, Inc., the company-owned messaging app WhatsApp has secured a whopping $168 million jury verdict against the Israeli firm behind the notorious Pegasus spyware, NSO Group. The ruling, which was announced on [date], marks a major win for WhatsApp and its users, who were targeted by the malicious software in 2019.

The incident in question dates back to July 2019, when hackers used Pegasus to target hundreds of WhatsApp users, including politicians, journalists, and human rights activists. The attack was part of a larger campaign by NSO Group to sell its spyware to governments and other entities around the world, often with devastating consequences for those targeted.

NSO Group's Pegasus software has been widely criticized for its potential to be used for mass surveillance and cyber attacks. The company has faced intense scrutiny from human rights groups, lawmakers, and law enforcement agencies worldwide, who have accused it of profiting from the misuse of its technology.

This latest verdict is a significant blow to NSO Group's business model and serves as a warning to other companies that might consider using similar tactics. The ruling also underscores the importance of holding companies accountable for their role in facilitating cyber attacks and mass surveillance.

Whatsapp, which has over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide, has long been a vocal critic of NSO Group's activities. In 2020, WhatsApp filed a lawsuit against NSO Group in an Israeli court, alleging that the company had violated its users' privacy by using Pegasus to spy on them.

The $168 million verdict is one of the largest ever awarded in a federal court case involving spyware and cyber attacks. It marks a major milestone in the fight against mass surveillance and cyber threats, and serves as a reminder that those responsible for such actions will be held accountable.