WhatsApp Wins $168M in Lawsuit Against NSO Group Over Pegasus Spyware
2025-05-07
A US federal jury has ordered Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group to pay WhatsApp $168 million in punitive damages for illegally installing its Pegasus spyware on smartphones via the messaging app. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleged NSO Group used Pegasus to conduct cyber-espionage against journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists. While NSO claims its technology is used to fight crime and terrorism, independent experts note its likely use in countries with poor human rights records. The verdict includes compensatory damages of over $444,000, in addition to the punitive damages. NSO plans to appeal.