Background on Key Players and Relevance
WhatsApp, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), has been awarded $168 million by a US jury in its cyberspying case against Israeli firm NSO Group. The lawsuit, filed in late 2019 in a Northern California federal court, accused NSO of installing the spyware Pegasus on users’ smartphones when they downloaded the messaging app.
Who is WhatsApp and Why is it Relevant?
WhatsApp is a popular instant messaging and voice-over-IP service owned by Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook, Inc.). With over 2 billion users worldwide, it is one of the most widely used messaging apps, making its privacy and security crucial for millions of people.
Who is NSO Group and Why is it Relevant?
NSO Group is an Israeli technology company specializing in cyber intelligence and surveillance solutions. Founded in 2010 by Shalev Hulio and Omri Lavie, the company has developed controversial spyware like Pegasus, which has been linked to various human rights abuses worldwide.
Case Details and Jury Decision
According to Meta, the lawsuit exposed how NSO’s surveillance-for-hire system operates under heavy secrecy. Pegasus, the spyware in question, can remotely activate smartphone cameras and microphones without users’ knowledge.
WhatsApp accused NSO Group of using its app to conduct cyberspying operations against journalists, lawyers, human rights activists, and other individuals.
On Tuesday, the jury ruled that NSO must pay WhatsApp approximately $444,000 in compensatory damages and $168 million in punitive damages.
NSO Group’s Response
Gil Lainer, NSO’s Global Communications Vice President, stated that they would carefully review the verdict details and seek appropriate legal solutions, including new litigation and an appeal. Lainer also emphasized that NSO believes its technology plays a vital role in preventing serious crimes and terrorism, and is deployed responsibly by authorized government agencies.
Concerns and Allegations Regarding Pegasus
Independent experts have pointed out that the Pegasus spyware is likely used in several countries with poor human rights records. NSO Group has faced criticism for its products being potentially misused, leading to privacy violations and human rights abuses.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the case about? WhatsApp sued NSO Group for allegedly installing spyware Pegasus on users’ smartphones when they downloaded the messaging app.
- What did the jury decide? The jury ordered NSO Group to pay WhatsApp $168 million in punitive damages and approximately $444,000 in compensatory damages.
- What is Pegasus? Pegasus is a spyware developed by NSO Group that can remotely activate smartphone cameras and microphones without users’ knowledge.
- Who are the key players involved? WhatsApp, owned by Meta, and NSO Group, an Israeli cyber intelligence firm.
- What was NSO Group’s response? NSO Group stated they would review the verdict and seek legal solutions, including an appeal.
- What are concerns regarding Pegasus? Independent experts have raised concerns that Pegasus may be used in countries with poor human rights records, leading to privacy violations and abuses.
