Spyware Maker NSO Group Blocked From WhatsApp After Major U.S. Court Ruling
A major legal milestone has arrived: Spyware maker NSO Group blocked from WhatsApp following a U.S. federal judge’s decision in favor of Meta. The ruling permanently bars the Israeli cyberintelligence company from targeting WhatsApp users, marking a major win for privacy and digital rights.
Image Credits:Zawrzel / NurPhoto / Getty Images
U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton issued the injunction on Friday, reinforcing WhatsApp’s long-running fight to protect its users from surveillance tools developed by NSO Group. However, while the injunction stands, the court also dramatically reduced the financial penalty the company must pay to Meta.
Why Meta Took NSO Group to Court
Meta’s legal battle dates back to 2019 when NSO Group allegedly used spyware to hack into the accounts of over 1,400 WhatsApp users. The victims included journalists, human rights defenders, and government officials.
A jury had initially ruled that NSO Group owed Meta more than $167 million in damages. The court’s latest decision upholds accountability for the company’s actions but lessens the financial blow due to “insufficient evidence” of particularly egregious conduct.
What the Permanent Ban Means for WhatsApp Users
The decision ensures that NSO Group can no longer access or exploit WhatsApp’s platform, effectively cutting off one of the most notorious spyware firms from one of the world’s most popular messaging apps.
For WhatsApp’s two billion users, this is a significant victory for privacy. Meta said it remains committed to fighting spyware attacks and holding surveillance-for-hire firms responsible for violating users’ rights.
NSO Group’s Ongoing Controversy
NSO Group has long been accused of enabling governments to spy on activists, journalists, and dissidents using its Pegasus spyware. The company claims it sells its software only to legitimate law enforcement and intelligence agencies to fight crime and terrorism.
However, investigations by media outlets and watchdogs suggest that Pegasus has been used far beyond its stated purpose — including against political opponents and human rights advocates.
A Win For Digital Privacy
The Spyware maker NSO Group blocked from WhatsApp ruling signals growing global scrutiny of surveillance technology. It’s also a reminder that tech giants are taking stronger legal action to safeguard user privacy.
Meta’s victory may set a precedent for how courts handle similar cases, especially as governments and private firms face increasing pressure to balance national security with human rights and digital safety.
This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the fight for digital freedom. While the monetary penalty was reduced, the permanent injunction ensures that WhatsApp users remain protected from NSO Group’s reach.
As the world continues to grapple with the ethics of surveillance technology, Meta’s courtroom win underscores a clear message: privacy isn’t optional — it’s a right.
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