Meta’s case against cyber attacks on WhatsApp infrastructure resulted in a kind of decision in the world of technology. In the case of California, the United States, the jury found Israel -based NSO Group legally responsible. It was revealed that the company targeted thousands of users using the spyware called Pegasus. Meta will receive a total of 167.25 million dollars compensation.
In the emergence of the attacks, the technical analysis of Citizen LAB, working in the field of digital security, was decisive. With the Open discovered in 2019, NSO Group was found to have access to devices with only a WhatsApp search. Moreover, even if users did not answer the search, the software could be installed on the device. This method has led to a target of many journalists, human rights defenders and diplomats.
Pegasus software not only collects data; It can make the camera and the microphone remotely active. This significantly increases the size of privacy violations. Many personal information, from location data to private messages, can be seized through this software. Therefore, the fact that the software is in the hands of non -governmental actors creates concern worldwide.
With the case he filed, Meta created an example of concerning not only its users, but also all organizations defending digital rights. The evidence of the company during the court process was among the important elements affecting the jury decision. As a result of the trial, Meta was also paid 444,719 dollars of financial compensation. This shows that the material losses that occur directly in addition to spiritual damages are accepted by the court.
Meta: Our struggle with threats to digital security will continue
In a statement from Meta, it was emphasized that this decision would have a deterrent effect on the spy software industry. In the statement, NSO Group was defined as a “a fame of a fame spyware supplier”. Meta said he would continue to fight against similar initiatives that threaten digital security. In addition, he announced that some image records of the case process will share with the public.
In addition to all these, Meta has announced its plan to donate to non -governmental organizations working in the field of digital rights. It was stated that these donations will be used, especially in order to defend digital freedoms in regions under state supervision. At the same time, Meta announced that NSO Group will request a new court order to prevent WhatsApp users in the future. Thus, not only the past, but also possible future attacks are aimed to prevent.
NSO Group, on the other hand, said in a statement after the decision of the intention to appeal. Company spokesman Gil Lainer, the jury decision will be examined in detail and legal ways will be used, he said. NSO Group continues to argue that Pegasus software has been developed only to work with government agencies. However, this argument cannot find sufficient equivalent in the public considering the quality of the attacks.
In spite of everything, this case has been an important example that shows that spyware developing companies can be held legally responsible. The international public demands more strict control mechanisms, especially in the use of state -supported digital surveillance tools. NSO Group’s case process can lead not only technology companies, but also law makers to clearer regulations. In the digital age, the balance of security and freedom continues to be discussed again.
This legal struggle between Meta and NSO Group shows that cyber security is no longer technical, but also a legal and ethical issue. The responsibility of technology companies for the protection of users’ personal data becomes more visible.