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Pegasus is a surveillance tool that can remotely access a device's microphone, camera, and other sensitive data. Although NSO claims it sells the software to governments for use against terrorists and criminals, critics argue it has been misused by authoritarian regimes. WhatsApp hailed the court's decision as a "first victory against the development and use of illegal spyware."
Widespread Misuse of Pegasus Revealed
The scandal gained global attention in 2021 after a list of 50,000 phone numbers believed to be spyware targets was leaked to major news organizations. Investigations linked many of the numbers to politicians, journalists, business leaders, and even Arab royals. Among those reportedly targeted were French President Emmanuel Macron and family members of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi critic who was murdered in Istanbul in 2018.
Canadian research group The Citizen Lab suspects Pegasus was used to spy on UK officials from Downing Street and the Foreign Office. Despite these revelations, NSO continues to claim its technology is used only by authorized governments to tackle serious threats.
Meta Wins Legal Battle After Six Years
The ruling comes after a six-year legal fight between Meta and NSO Group. In addition to the $167 million fine, the spyware firm has been ordered to pay another $444,000 in damages to Meta.
Meta stated that the verdict serves as a strong warning to spyware companies attempting to harm tech platforms. "The jury's decision to force NSO to pay damages is a critical deterrent to this malicious industry against their illegal acts aimed at American companies," the company said.
In response, NSO Group announced it would review the verdict and explore legal options, including an appeal. "We firmly believe that our technology plays a critical role in preventing serious crime and terrorism and is deployed responsibly by authorised government agencies," the firm said.
With this ruling, other tech companies whose platforms may have been targeted by Pegasus could now consider taking legal action against NSO.
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