A federal jury in California ordered Israeli spyware maker NSO Group to pay Meta $167.25 million in statutory damages for hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, according to The Verge. The decision follows Meta’s 2019 lawsuit after Citizen Lab uncovered a vulnerability allowing Pegasus to infect devices through missed calls. The spyware could activate microphones, cameras, and access private data, targeting journalists, diplomats, and activists. Meta was also awarded compensatory damages and will seek a permanent court order to block future NSO attacks. The company called the ruling a milestone for user privacy. NSO says it may appeal.
