US Judge rules Pegasus-maker NSO Group liable for hacking in WhatsApp lawsuit
US Judge Rules in Favor of WhatsApp Against NSO Group
A US judge has ruled in favor of WhatsApp in a lawsuit against Israel's NSO Group, accused of exploiting a vulnerability in the messaging app to install spyware. The ruling, made by US District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland, California, found NSO Group liable for hacking and breach of contract. The case will now proceed to trial to determine damages.
WhatsApp's Response
Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, called the ruling a "victory for privacy." He emphasized that spyware companies should not hide behind immunity or avoid accountability for unlawful actions. A WhatsApp spokesperson expressed gratitude for the decision and reiterated the company's commitment to protecting private communications.
Impact on the Spyware Industry
Cybersecurity experts, including John Scott-Railton from Citizen Lab, praised the judgment as a landmark decision with significant implications for the spyware industry. The ruling clarifies that NSO Group is responsible for breaking multiple laws.
Background of the Case
WhatsApp sued NSO in 2019, seeking an injunction and damages for installing Pegasus spyware on victims' devices. The lawsuit revealed that 1,400 individuals, including dissidents and journalists, were monitored. NSO argued that Pegasus was used to fight crime and protect national security. However, the US Supreme Court declined NSO's appeal, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.
Doubts Revealed
US Judge
A US Judge is a person who works in a court in the United States and makes decisions about legal cases.
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that people use to send texts, make calls, and share photos and videos with friends and family.
NSO Group
NSO Group is a company from Israel that makes software, which can be used to spy on people's phones and computers.
Spyware
Spyware is a type of software that secretly collects information from a person's computer or phone without them knowing.
Vulnerability
A vulnerability is a weakness in a computer system or software that can be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access.
Liable
Liable means being legally responsible for something, like causing harm or breaking a rule.
Breach of contract
Breach of contract is when someone does not follow the terms of an agreement they made with another person or company.
Trial for damages
A trial for damages is a court case where the judge decides how much money should be paid to someone who was harmed or wronged.
Will Cathcart
Will Cathcart is the head of WhatsApp, meaning he is the leader or boss of the company.
Privacy victory
A privacy victory means winning a case that helps protect people's personal information from being misused or accessed without permission.
Cybersecurity experts
Cybersecurity experts are people who know a lot about protecting computers and networks from hackers and other threats.
Landmark ruling
A landmark ruling is an important court decision that can influence future cases and change how laws are understood.
US Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, and it makes final decisions on important legal issues.
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