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US Court Rules WhatsApp Victorious in Lawsuit Against NSO Group Over Pegasus Spyware Hack

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WhatsApp has secured a significant legal victory against the NSO Group, the Israeli company responsible for developing the notorious Pegasus spyware. On Friday, a US District Court judge ruled in favor of WhatsApp, finding that NSO Group was responsible for hacking the devices of 1,400 individuals by using WhatsApp’s servers to infect them with the spyware. This ruling also determined that NSO Group violated both federal US hacking laws and California state laws, along with breaching WhatsApp’s terms of service in the process.

The decision was handed down by US District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton, who granted WhatsApp’s motion for summary judgment. In her ruling, Judge Hamilton stated that NSO Group had infringed upon the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), as well as California’s Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act (CDAFA). The ruling marks a significant step in the ongoing legal battle between WhatsApp, owned by Meta, and NSO Group, which has faced scrutiny over its involvement in surveillance activities.

In addition to the favorable judgment for WhatsApp, a separate trial will be held in March 2025 to determine the damages that NSO Group owes WhatsApp as a result of its actions. Judge Hamilton also instructed both parties to inform the court by January 17, 2025, if there are any motions related to expert testimony that need to be resolved before the trial on damages begins. This marks a crucial phase in the case, with WhatsApp seeking compensation for the harm caused by the spyware attack.

The ruling is being seen as a crucial step in holding the NSO Group accountable for its role in enabling the widespread use of surveillance technology, and it could set a significant precedent for future cases involving spyware and data breaches. WhatsApp’s victory is part of a broader push to protect privacy and data security in the digital age, sending a strong message to companies that engage in unauthorized surveillance and hacking activities.

WhatsApp Introduces Fresh Calling Features, Animations, and Stickers Just in Time for the New Year

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WhatsApp has rolled out a variety of exciting new features to add some festive cheer to the app as users head into the New Year. Announced on Thursday, these updates are designed to enhance both the texting and calling experience. Among the highlights are new calling effects that users can apply during video calls, all themed around New Year celebrations. For a limited time, WhatsApp is also offering fresh animations and sticker packs, perfect for spreading holiday joy. This release follows in the footsteps of Instagram, which recently introduced its own 2024 Collage feature for a limited time.

The New Year-themed updates on WhatsApp bring a host of fun additions to video calls. Users can now apply festive filters, backgrounds, and effects, adding a celebratory touch to their virtual hangouts. This seasonal update also includes new animated reactions that users can send when responding to messages with party-related emojis. When a party emoji is used, a burst of confetti will appear, creating a fun visual for both the sender and the receiver.

In addition to the new video call effects, WhatsApp has introduced a specially curated New Year’s Eve sticker pack, designed to help users share their festive spirit in a creative way. These stickers are complemented by avatar stickers, also themed around the New Year. WhatsApp believes these additions will offer users new and exciting ways to send holiday greetings and messages in a fun, interactive manner.

With the introduction of these fresh features, WhatsApp is making it easier for users to connect and share the excitement of the season with friends and family. Whether it’s through festive video call effects, animated reactions, or personalized stickers, WhatsApp is ensuring that users can bring some extra joy to their messages as they welcome in the New Year.

US Judge Finds Israel’s NSO Group Liable for Hacking in WhatsApp Lawsuit

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A U.S. judge has ruled in favor of Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp in a lawsuit against Israel’s NSO Group, finding the company liable for exploiting a vulnerability in WhatsApp’s messaging app to install spyware, enabling unauthorized surveillance. U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton of Oakland, California, granted WhatsApp’s motion and found NSO liable for hacking and breach of contract. The case will now proceed to trial, but only to determine the amount of damages.

WhatsApp’s head, Will Cathcart, hailed the ruling as a victory for privacy, stating that spyware companies could no longer hide behind immunity or avoid accountability for unlawful actions. A spokesperson for WhatsApp expressed their gratitude for the decision, reaffirming the company’s commitment to protecting users’ private communications.

Cybersecurity experts, including John Scott-Railton from Citizen Lab, welcomed the ruling as a landmark decision with significant consequences for the spyware industry. He noted that the ruling clarifies that NSO Group is responsible for violating numerous laws, as the company could no longer evade accountability for its actions.

WhatsApp sued NSO in 2019, accusing it of using a vulnerability to access WhatsApp’s servers and install Pegasus spyware on users’ devices. The lawsuit claimed the intrusion enabled the surveillance of 1,400 individuals, including journalists, human rights activists, and dissidents. NSO had defended itself by arguing that its technology was intended to help law enforcement and intelligence agencies combat crime and terrorism.

Despite this defense, NSO failed in its attempt to secure “conduct-based immunity,” which protects foreign officials acting in their official capacity. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision in 2021, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear NSO’s appeal, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.