Israel’s NSO to Pay $168-Million to Meta for 2019 Cyber Hack: Report
A US court has ordered Israel’s NSO Group to pay a staggering $168 million to Meta’s WhatsApp for a 2019 cyberespionage attack that involved planting Pegasus spy software on the smartphones of journalists, lawyers, and others across 51 countries using WhatsApp. The case, which has been widely reported, marks a significant victory for Meta and a major blow to NSO’s reputation.
The lawsuit was filed by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2019, accusing NSO of using its Pegasus spyware to hack into the phones of thousands of individuals worldwide, including journalists, human rights activists, and politicians. NSO’s software allowed hackers to access the contents of the targeted phones, including messages, photos, and emails.
The cyberespionage attack was carried out using WhatsApp’s messaging platform, which NSO allegedly exploited by sending targeted messages to the victims. Once the messages were opened, the Pegasus software was installed on the victims’ phones, allowing NSO to monitor their activities and gather sensitive information.
The lawsuit claimed that NSO’s actions were a violation of WhatsApp’s terms of service and constituted a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Meta alleged that NSO’s actions were part of a larger scheme to spy on its users and undermine democracy and human rights.
The US jury delivered its verdict in May 2025, finding NSO liable for the cyberespionage attack and ordering the company to pay $168 million in damages. In addition to the damages, NSO was also ordered to pay $444,719 in compensatory damages.
The ruling is seen as a significant victory for Meta and a major blow to NSO’s reputation. NSO has been accused of carrying out numerous cyberattacks and human rights violations in the past, and the company has faced widespread criticism for its activities.
The case has also sparked a wider debate about the use of spyware and the need for greater regulation of the cybersecurity industry. Many experts have called for greater transparency and accountability from companies like NSO, which are often accused of using their technology to spy on individuals and organizations.
In a statement, a Meta spokesperson said, “Today’s verdict is a significant victory for the rule of law and a major step forward in our efforts to hold accountable those who would use technology to harm people and undermine democracy.”
NSO has not commented on the ruling, but the company has previously denied any wrongdoing and claimed that its technology is only used for legitimate law enforcement and national security purposes.
The case is a significant one, not just for Meta and NSO, but for the wider cybersecurity industry. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from companies that develop and sell spyware, and the importance of protecting individual privacy and human rights.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the use of spyware and cyberespionage is a serious threat to individual privacy and human rights, and companies like NSO must be held accountable for their actions.
