CNN —Messaging service WhatsApp claimed a major legal victory over Israeli spyware firm NSO Group on Friday after a federal judge ruled that NSO was liable under federal and California law for a 2019 hacking spree that breached over 1,000 WhatsApp users.
The case will now go to trial on the question of what damages NSO Group owes Meta-owned WhatsApp, Judge Phyllis Hamilton of the Northern District of California wrote in her ruling on Friday granting WhatsApp’s motion for partial summary judgment.
NSO Group did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday evening.
The FBI has not used Pegasus in investigations, according to the bureau.
The ruling could have a “chilling effect” on efforts by other spyware companies to enter the US market, he added.
Persons:
WhatsApp, Phyllis Hamilton, ” Will Cathcart, Biden, ”, John Scott, ” Scott, Railton
Organizations:
CNN, Messaging, NSO, Meta, Northern, Northern District of, “, State Department, US National Security Council, FBI, Pegasus, University of Toronto’s
Locations:
California, Northern District, Northern District of California, Israel, North Macedonia