NSO Group Ordered to Pay $167M in Landmark Pegasus Spyware Ruling
The Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group, creator of the notorious Pegasus spyware, has been ordered to pay WhatsApp $167 million (£125 million) for hacking 1,400 users in 2019. This Pegasus spyware ruling marks the first time a spyware developer has been held accountable for exploiting smartphone vulnerabilities. Pegasus, capable of remotely accessing phone microphones and cameras, has been widely criticized for enabling authoritarian regimes to target journalists, activists, and political figures.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, hailed the verdict as a "first victory against the development and use of illegal spyware." NSO Group, which claims its technology is intended only for combating serious crime and terrorism, announced it would review the ruling and consider further legal action, including an appeal.
Unpacking the Impact of the Pegasus Spyware Ruling
This landmark decision could set a precedent for future legal actions against spyware developers. The case, spanning six years, highlights growing concerns over unchecked surveillance technology. Pegasus gained global notoriety in 2021 when leaked data revealed 50,000 potential hacking targets, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Arab royals, and murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s associates.
The ruling also requires NSO to pay Meta an additional $444,000 in damages. Legal experts suggest this victory could embolden other tech giants to pursue similar lawsuits, potentially crippling the commercial spyware industry.
The Technology Behind Pegasus Spyware
Pegasus operates by exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems, allowing attackers to gain complete control over a device without user interaction. Once installed, it can extract messages, activate cameras, and track locations. Despite NSO’s claims of ethical use, investigations by groups like The Citizen Lab have linked Pegasus to human rights abuses worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pegasus spyware?
Pegasus is surveillance software developed by NSO Group, capable of remotely accessing smartphones to extract data and activate cameras/microphones.
Why was NSO Group fined?
NSO was ordered to pay $167M for hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users in 2019, violating privacy laws.