In 2019 the WhatsApp filed a complaint against NSO Group, accusing the company of being responsible for spying on users of the platform.
Now, the court has ruled in favor of the company that is part of the Meta group and considers that NSO Group is responsible for the attack on 1400 devices used by journalists, activists and politicians. The case will now proceed to assess “the issue of damages”.
NSO Group argues that it cannot be held liable for the use of its software by clients who are investigating crimes and national security breaches. The court, however, rejects this defense, which could set a precedent for other companies in the same sector.
Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp, said: “The ruling is a huge victory for privacy (…) We have spent five years making our case because we believe that spyware companies cannot hide behind immunity or avoid accountability for their illegal actions.”
NSO Group has not yet publicly reacted to this decision.
