Summary
NSO Group, which makes the Pegasus spyware, has been ordered to pay WhatsApp $167 million for hacking 1,400 phones in 2019. This is the first time a spyware developer has been held accountable for exploiting phone vulnerabilities. NSO claims the spyware is for use against serious criminals, but it has faced accusations of misuse by governments to monitor various individuals.
Key Facts
- NSO Group must pay WhatsApp $167 million for hacking incidents in 2019.
- Pegasus spyware can secretly access microphones and cameras on phones.
- NSO allegedly allowed misuse of Pegasus to monitor journalists, activists, and political figures.
- A list of 50,000 phone numbers suspected of being hacked was leaked in 2021.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and others were reportedly hacked with Pegasus.
- NSO Group has been ordered to pay additional damages to Meta.
- WhatsApp’s legal victory could open legal challenges from other tech companies.
- NSO says its technology is meant to fight serious crimes and terrorism.
