Meta Awarded $167.25 Million Over Pegasus Spyware Attack

In a landmark verdict, a federal jury in California has ruled that the Israeli spyware-maker NSO Group must pay Meta $167.25 million for its role in hacking 1,400 users across WhatsApp.

The decision comes after years of litigation, with Meta suing NSO Group in 2019 following a series of attacks on WhatsApp users using Pegasus spyware. The malicious software was used to compromise the personal data and devices of individuals, including journalists, politicians, and human rights activists.

The jury's verdict is a significant blow to NSO Group, which has faced widespread criticism for its role in facilitating the use of Pegasus spyware by authoritarian regimes and other malicious actors. The company has been accused of profiting from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, often with devastating consequences.

According to court documents, NSO Group sold Pegasus to governments around the world, including those in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Mexico. These governments used the spyware to conduct surveillance on their citizens, often without their knowledge or consent.

Meta alleged that NSO Group was aware of its spyware being used for malicious purposes, but failed to take adequate steps to prevent it. The company claimed that NSO Group's marketing materials and sales pitches downplayed the risks associated with Pegasus, making it easier for governments to misuse the software.

The jury's decision is a major victory for Meta, which has long advocated for greater accountability from tech companies when it comes to national security threats. "Today's verdict holds NSO Group accountable for its role in facilitating these attacks," said a spokesperson for Meta. "We are proud of our work to protect users and advocate for responsible business practices."

The $167.25 million award is one of the largest payouts ever made by an Israeli company in connection with cybercrime allegations. It marks a significant turning point in the fight against Pegasus spyware, which has been hailed as one of the most powerful tools used by authoritarian regimes to silence dissidents and opponents.

As NSO Group faces this new reality, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to the verdict. Will it take steps to reform its business practices and prevent similar attacks in the future? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Meta's victory marks a major milestone in the ongoing battle against Pegasus spyware.