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US bans WhatsApp spyware operations in shocking move
WhatsApp sued Israel-based NSO Group in 2019
United States court recently banned the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group from installing spyware on WhatsApp.
The latest ruling by District Judge Phyllis Hamilton was announced on Saturday, October 18, by WhatsApp Head, Will Cathcart.
In a tweet, Cathcart wrote, "Today’s ruling bans spyware maker NSO from ever targeting WhatsApp and our global users again. 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.”
According to France 24, the judge ruled that the firm’s behaviour fell short of a "particularly egregious" standard that was required for a hefty financial penalty.
Mover, District Phyllis Hamilton reduced the damages from $168 million to $4 million.
The latest decision comes after six years of Legal battle between, initiated by WhatsApp against the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm.
The lawsuit, filed by WhatsApp back in 2019, accused NSO Group of cyberespionage targeting 1,400 users including lawyers, journalists, and human rights activists using the encrypted messaging service.