theguardian.com
NSO Group's Role in Pegasus Spyware Exposed
Newly released documents in the ongoing litigation between NSO Group and WhatsApp reveal that NSO, not its clients, operates the Pegasus spyware.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsTechnologyGovernmentCybersecurityLawsuitSpyware
Nso GroupWhatsappFacebookBiden AdministrationUs Government
Donald TrumpViktor OrbánPrincess HayaSheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-MaktoumCherie Blair
- What legal action is WhatsApp pursuing in the case?
- WhatsApp is seeking a summary judgment in the case, asking the judge to rule now based on the evidence presented, including depositions revealing NSO's direct involvement in operating the spyware.
- What prompted WhatsApp to file a lawsuit against NSO Group?
- WhatsApp filed a lawsuit against NSO Group in 2019 after discovering that 1,400 of its users had been targeted by Pegasus spyware. The lawsuit alleges that NSO itself operates the spyware, contrary to their claims.
- How does Donald Trump's election victory impact the situation?
- The timing of these revelations is significant due to Donald Trump's election victory; his potential change in White House policy on spyware could impact NSO's legal battles and its position on the US blacklist.
- What evidence was revealed regarding the targeting of Princess Haya of Dubai?
- A deposed NSO employee admitted that Princess Haya of Dubai was among those targeted, and that NSO disconnected the service due to severe abuse by clients. This abuse was also ruled unlawful by a UK court.
- Who is responsible for installing and extracting information from phones targeted by NSO Group's hacking software?
- NSO Group, the Israeli cyberweapons maker, is responsible for installing and extracting information from targeted mobile phones, not its government clients, according to recently released legal documents.