Meta Platforms has won a $168 million verdict against the Israeli spyware company NSO, known for creating the Pegasus spyware. This ruling marks the end of a six-year legal battle between the two entities, with the court ruling in favor of Meta for exploiting a bug in WhatsApp’s encrypted messaging system. The case centers around NSO selling the exploit to clients who used it to monitor journalists, activists, and political dissidents. The decision is significant as it is the first time a spyware company has been held accountable for violating the integrity of platforms like WhatsApp.

The court ordered NSO to pay $444,719 in compensatory damages and an additional $167.3 million in punitive damages. Meta celebrated the verdict, viewing it as a victory for privacy and security, highlighting the ongoing battle against illegal spyware that threatens individuals’ safety and privacy.

Following the ruling, NSO indicated it may appeal, stating that it would carefully review the verdict and consider further legal actions. Despite the ruling, NSO defended its Pegasus spyware, claiming it is used for monitoring criminals like terrorists and pedophiles, although it has been involved in several high-profile cases of abusive surveillance worldwide.

The legal confrontation began in 2019 when WhatsApp discovered that NSO’s Pegasus had exploited a vulnerability in the app’s audio-calling feature, allowing the spyware to infiltrate over 1,400 devices. Over the years, Meta presented evidence showing that NSO had invested millions in developing the spyware, which not only targeted Meta apps but also had the capability to access phones, turn on cameras, and microphones without users’ knowledge.