WhatsApp Wins Permanent Injunction Against NSO Group, Fine Reduced to $4 Million

A federal judge today granted WhatsApp’s request for a permanent injunction blocking Israeli cyberintelligence firm NSO Group from targeting users of the messaging app, while significantly reducing the financial penalty the company must pay to Meta.

U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton ruled that NSO Group will be permanently prohibited from accessing WhatsApp systems. This decision follows a jury verdict earlier this year that initially assessed damages exceeding $167 million against NSO Group for a 2019 campaign that compromised over 1,400 WhatsApp users, including journalists and human rights advocates. The initial amount was based on a higher punitive damages ratio, but the judge determined there wasn’t sufficient evidence to support that level of penalty.

Judge Hamilton capped the punitive damages ratio at 9 to 1, lowering the payment to approximately $4 million. “We applaud this decision that comes after six years of litigation to hold NSO accountable for targeting members of civil society,” said Will Cathart, Head of WhatsApp, in a statement. The case highlights the growing concern over the use of sophisticated spyware to target individuals globally. More information about the dangers of spyware can be found at Citizen Lab.

NSO Group recently announced it is being acquired by U.S. investors, a move that could potentially impact the enforcement of the injunction. Meta has been a vocal opponent of companies like NSO Group, and has previously detailed its efforts to combat the use of spyware against its users. Officials stated they will continue to monitor NSO Group’s activities and ensure compliance with the court order.