Web Desk: Israeli Spyware maker NSO ordered to stop targeting WhatsApp, earlier Meta sued the NSO group in 2019 over its spyware which was used to spy on more than 130 people from 20 different countries including politicians, journalists and civil society members. The Spyware was so effective that it could compromise even without sending malicious codes to users such that a missed call could infect the targeted device.
US District Judge Phyllis Hamilton reduced the damages Meta was getting from NSO Group from $167 million to $4 million citing the need to follow a legal framework designed to proportionate damages while Meta wanted to put the entire NSO out of business due to their sabotage activities.
“Today’s ruling bans spyware maker NSO from ever targeting WhatsApp and our global users again,” said Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp. “We applaud this decision that comes after six years of litigation to hold NSO accountable for targeting members of civil society. It sets an important precedent that there are serious consequences to attacking an American company.”
Judge Hamilton said the Israeli firm’s “conduct causes irreparable harm”, adding that there was “no dispute that the conduct is ongoing”.
