Meta And WhatsApp Spyware: The $168 Million Verdict Explained

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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The Pegasus Spyware and its Capabilities

Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israeli surveillance technology firm NSO Group, is a highly sophisticated piece of malware capable of infiltrating smartphones and extracting vast amounts of sensitive data. Its capabilities represent a severe threat to user privacy and security. This spyware operates through a "zero-click" exploit, meaning it can infect a device without the user needing to take any action, such as clicking a malicious link or downloading a compromised file.

How Pegasus Works: Pegasus uses various vulnerabilities in a device's operating system to gain access. Once inside, it can:

• Access messages: Read all incoming and outgoing messages from various apps, including WhatsApp.
• Exfiltrate photos and videos: Steal all photos and videos stored on the device.
• Track location data: Continuously monitor the victim's precise location.
• Access microphone and camera: Record audio and video without the user's knowledge.
• Bypass security measures: Evade detection by anti-virus software and other security protocols.

The zero-click exploit is particularly dangerous because it renders users completely helpless against infection. This makes even the most security-conscious individuals vulnerable to Pegasus's intrusive capabilities. The impact on victims' privacy and security is devastating, leading to potential exposure of personal information, identity theft, and even physical harm.

The Lawsuit Against Meta and WhatsApp

The lawsuit against Meta centered around allegations that the company failed to adequately protect WhatsApp users from the Pegasus spyware. Plaintiffs argued that Meta was negligent in allowing NSO Group to exploit vulnerabilities in its messaging platform, resulting in a massive data breach impacting thousands of users.

Plaintiff's Arguments: The plaintiffs contended that Meta knew or should have known about the vulnerabilities exploited by Pegasus and failed to take sufficient steps to patch them. They argued that this negligence directly contributed to the surveillance and privacy violations experienced by victims.

Meta's Defense: Meta countered by arguing that it proactively works to secure its platform and that the responsibility for exploiting vulnerabilities ultimately rested with NSO Group. They claimed that they acted diligently to address security flaws as they were discovered.

The case highlighted the complex legal concept of vicarious liability, which holds a company responsible for the actions of third parties if it had a duty of care to prevent harm. This lawsuit set a significant precedent for how tech companies will be held accountable for their users’ data security in the face of sophisticated cyberattacks.

The $168 Million Verdict: A Detailed Breakdown

The $168 million verdict represents a significant victory for the plaintiffs and a powerful statement regarding corporate responsibility for data security. This substantial sum will be used primarily to compensate victims who were subjected to surveillance via the Pegasus spyware.

• Financial Implications for Meta: This verdict constitutes a substantial financial penalty for Meta, emphasizing the high cost of failing to adequately protect user data.
• Impact on Future Lawsuits: The ruling is likely to influence future lawsuits involving spyware and data breaches, setting a higher bar for data protection standards in the tech industry. It could also embolden other victims of sophisticated spyware attacks to seek legal recourse.

Implications for WhatsApp Users and Data Security

The Meta and WhatsApp spyware case underscores the crucial importance of user privacy and data security in the digital age. The verdict serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to protect personal information.

Steps WhatsApp users can take to improve security:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding this extra layer of security makes it significantly harder for attackers to access your account even if they obtain your password.
• Keep the App Updated: Regular updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
• Use Strong Passwords: Choose complex and unique passwords, or consider using a password manager.
• Be Wary of Suspicious Links and Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.

The responsibility for protecting user data extends beyond the individual user; tech companies have a moral and legal obligation to implement robust security measures. This verdict reinforces the expectation that companies like Meta must prioritize user data protection and proactively defend against sophisticated threats like Pegasus spyware.

Conclusion

The $168 million verdict against Meta for its role in the WhatsApp spyware scandal underscores the critical need for stronger data protection measures within messaging applications. This landmark ruling serves as a stark warning to tech companies about the legal and financial repercussions of failing to safeguard user data. The case highlights the real-world dangers of sophisticated spyware like Pegasus and the devastating impact on victims' privacy.

Call to Action: Stay informed about the evolving landscape of spyware threats and learn how to protect yourself. Understand the risks associated with using messaging apps and take proactive steps to secure your WhatsApp account and other digital assets. Learn more about protecting yourself from Meta and WhatsApp spyware and other forms of digital surveillance.