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NSO lawyer names Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan as spyware customersbehind 2019 WhatsApp hacks
During a lawsuit, NSO Group's lawyer named Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan as customers of its spyware, Pegasus, which was implicated in the 2019 WhatsApp hacking of over 1,200 users. This marks the first public acknowledgment of NSO's clientele. WhatsApp, suing NSO for damages, aims to protect user privacy as allegations of targeting activists and journalists emerge.
Key points
- In 2019, NSO's Pegasus spyware exploited a vulnerability in WhatsApp to hack 1,400 users.
- NSO Group's lawyer publicly named Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan as spyware customers.
- WhatsApp's lawsuit seeks an injunction against NSO and compensation for affected users.
- Citizen Lab reported that over 100 targeted victims were human rights activists and journalists.
- The judge noted ambiguities in identifying NSO customers responsible for the attacks.
Why it matters
- NSO Group's actions tie into broader concerns about government surveillance and privacy.
- The controversy over spyware ties into ongoing discussions about cybersecurity and personal data protection since increasing SMS and messaging app use.
- With the rise of AI and technology in 2025, the implications of spyware usage in violating human rights events continue to evolve.
The acknowledgment of Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan as NSO customers highlights ongoing issues in digital privacy and government overreach, while WhatsApp's legal action reinforces the urgency for accountability and reforms in the surveillance software industry.