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Ayoub Aouragh 1 min read

NSO ordered to stop hacking WhatsApp, damages reduced to $4 million

A judge has ordered NSO Group to stop hacking WhatsApp, but the damages they owe have taken a big hit. Initially, a jury slapped them with a whopping $167 million in punitive damages, but the judge...

A judge has ordered NSO Group to stop hacking WhatsApp, but the damages they owe have taken a big hit. Initially, a jury slapped them with a whopping $167 million in punitive damages, but the judge decided that was way too steep and slashed it down to just $4 million. That's a huge drop, but it still stings for the controversial Israeli firm, known for its spyware technology.

The case highlights the ongoing battle between tech giants and surveillance firms. WhatsApp claims NSO’s software was used to exploit vulnerabilities in their messaging platform, putting users at risk. While NSO can breathe a little easier with the reduced damages, the ruling underscores the growing scrutiny on companies that engage in hacking and surveillance tactics. If you’re a WhatsApp user, this situation is a reminder to stay vigilant about your online security.