US court permanently blocks NSO from targeting WhatsApp users
A US federal court has permanently blocked Israeli spyware maker NSO Group from going after WhatsApp users, following a years-long legal fight.
The October 17, 2025, ruling found NSO's actions had caused real and ongoing harm, marking a big win for Meta-owned WhatsApp and for people worried about digital privacy.
Ruling sends strong message to tech companies
Judge Phyllis Hamilton granted WhatsApp's request to stop NSO but lowered damages from $168 million to $4 million, saying NSO's conduct wasn't "egregious" enough for a bigger penalty.
WhatsApp called the decision a major victory in holding NSO accountable for targeting civil society members.
While NSO claims its Pegasus spyware is only sold to governments for legit reasons, it's been tied to regimes with poor human rights records.
The ruling has been interpreted as sending a strong message that tech companies may be held responsible if their tools are misused against ordinary people.