Therecord.Media WhatsApp's Contempt Bid Against NSO Group Denied by Federal Judge
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- •A federal judge denied WhatsApp's contempt motion against NSO Group for lack of evidence.
- •WhatsApp claimed NSO targeted users through 23 new accounts linked to spear-phishing attacks.
- •The ruling emphasizes the risks of revealing detection methods in court.
On October 16, 2026, a federal judge in Oakland denied WhatsApp's motion to hold NSO Group in contempt for allegedly violating a court injunction. WhatsApp claimed NSO targeted its users through 23 new accounts and spear-phishing attacks, but the judge ruled that WhatsApp did not provide sufficient 'clear and convincing evidence' to support its claims. The injunction, issued in 2025, barred NSO from using WhatsApp's infrastructure for malicious activities. WhatsApp's evidence relied solely on a declaration from a Meta investigator, which the judge found inadequate. The ruling raises concerns about the balance between revealing detection methods and effectively combating spyware. Digital rights advocates criticized the decision, warning it could lead to greater impunity for spyware developers. The case highlights ongoing tensions between tech companies and spyware firms, particularly regarding user privacy and security.
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