Jury Orders NSO to Pay $167 Million for Hacking WhatsApp Users
In a landmark verdict, a jury has ordered the Israeli spyware company NSO Group to pay $167 million in damages to victims of its malicious hacking tools. The ruling, which was announced earlier today, marks a significant victory for opponents of exploit sellers who have long accused these companies of profiting from the personal data of unsuspecting individuals.
The lawsuit, which was brought by WhatsApp users against NSO Group, alleged that the company had used its Pegasus spyware to hack into the phones of journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens. The victims claimed that they had been targeted because of their online activities or associations with certain causes, and that NSO Group had breached its contract with them by using its tools for malicious purposes.
The jury's decision is a major blow to NSO Group, which has long maintained that its products are used only by government agencies and law enforcement organizations. However, the company's reputation was already under siege before this lawsuit, with many critics accusing it of being complicit in human rights abuses and undermining democracy around the world.
NSO Group has denied any wrongdoing, but the jury's verdict suggests that its denials may be based on a flawed understanding of the law. The company had argued that it was not liable for the actions of its customers, even if those actions were carried out using NSO's tools. However, the jury rejected this defense, ruling instead that NSO Group was responsible for breaching its contract with the plaintiffs and for violating their rights to privacy.
The $167 million judgment is one of the largest ever awarded in a lawsuit against an Israeli company. It also represents a major victory for human rights advocates, who have long campaigned against exploit sellers like NSO Group. The verdict serves as a reminder that these companies will be held accountable for their actions, and that individuals have the right to seek justice even in the face of overwhelming corporate power.