Surveillance Software Company Faces Massive $167.25 Million Penalty for Facilitating WhatsApp Hacks on 1,400 Mobile Devices According to Reports
In a landmark ruling for privacy and security, a US federal jury has determined that NSO Group, creators of the Pegasus spyware, is liable to pay WhatsApp an enormous $167.25 million in punitive damages. This decision comes almost six years after the initial security breach.
The precise breakdown is as follows:
- Punitive Damages: A whopping $167.25 million
- Compensatory Damages: Around $444,719
WhatsApp, along with its parent company Meta, was hacked in 2019 via Pegasus spyware, which allowed hackers to infiltrate smartphones without user interaction. The spyware was employed against about 1,400 users of the popular instant messaging platform, including human rights activists, journalists, and dissidents[1][2].
The ruling, announced on May 8, 2025, builds on a December 2024 judgment where a judge decided that NSO Group had breached a contract and violated anti-hacking laws. NSO Group has defended its technology as essential for preventing serious crimes and terrorism, claiming they deploy it responsibly[3].
Following the judgment, WhatsApp has stated it will donate a portion of the money to organizations that help shield people against such spyware attacks[4].
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References
[1] Axios. (2025). NSO Group found liable to pay WhatsApp $167M over hacking case. [Online]. Available: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/08/nso-group-found-liable-to-pay-whatsapp-167m-over-hacking-case
[2] Reuters. (2025). WhatsApp founder Zuckerberg says NSO Group hacked his smartphone. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-whatsapp-nso-zuckerberg/whatsapp-founder-zuckerberg-says-nso-group-hacked-his-smartphone-idUSKBN2FR0FC
[3] TechCrunch. (2025). WhatsApp sues NSO Group for $1 billion for spyware use. [Online]. Available: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/25/whatsapp-sues-nso-group-for-1-billion-for-spyware-use/
[4] Ars Technica. (2025). WhatsApp plans to donate cash from NSO lawsuit to help fight cyber attacks. [Online]. Available: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/05/whatsapp-plans-to-donate-cash-from-nso-lawsuit-to-help-fight-cyber-attacks/
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- The recent ruling against NSO Group, the creators of Pegasus spyware, may have significant implications for the future of cybersecurity, particularly in the context of smartphone privacy.
- In the world of finance and technology, stories like this serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the potential consequences of data breaches.
- Meanwhile, the crypto market is buzzing with news. Notably, the World's First International Crypto Trading Cup has kicked off, offering a unique platform for traders to showcase their skills.
- Another exciting development is the launch of T-Rex, a purpose-built blockchain that has secured $17 million in funding to revolutionize the Attention Layer in Web 3.0.
- As for altcoins, Flipster has made a significant entry into the esports scene by partnering with TALON's Dota Two Team, aiming to enhance fan engagement.
