Meta moves against Israel’s NSO Group over spyware targeting
Tech giant seeks court contempt order as WhatsApp disrupts alleged phishing campaigns linked to Israeli spyware firm NSO
LONDON (MNTV) – Meta has announced new legal action against Israeli spyware company NSO Group, accusing it of violating a US court injunction that permanently barred the firm from targeting WhatsApp users.
The social media company said it is filing a federal contempt motion, arguing that NSO has continued attempts to carry out cyber operations against its messaging platform despite prior legal restrictions.
Meta said its WhatsApp security systems recently identified and disrupted new phishing-style attacks linked to accounts it associates with NSO activity.
According to Meta, the attempts resembled so-called “one-click” phishing campaigns designed to trick users into opening malicious links that could compromise devices or accounts without requiring additional credentials.
The company said it shut down test accounts and groups allegedly created to facilitate the activity.
NSO Group, long accused by rights organizations and governments of enabling intrusive surveillance and digital targeting through its Pegasus spyware, is already under US government restrictions for activities deemed contrary to national security and foreign policy interests.
A US court had previously ordered NSO to cease any targeting of WhatsApp and its users, while also significantly reducing damages in a separate ruling.
However, the permanent injunction remains a major legal constraint on the company, which has faced mounting global scrutiny over allegations of misuse of its technology against journalists, activists, and political figures.
Meta said its latest court filing is supported by a coalition of digital rights groups, civil society organizations, and cybersecurity experts who have submitted briefs opposing NSO’s appeal against the injunction.
The case adds to growing international pressure on surveillance firms accused of operating in legal grey zones and contributing to widespread digital rights violations. Critics argue that companies like NSO have enabled invasive cyber capabilities that undermine privacy protections and are frequently deployed in politically sensitive contexts.
Meta said WhatsApp will continue strengthening its defenses against coordinated intrusion attempts and will pursue legal measures against actors it believes are attempting to bypass court restrictions.
NSO Group has not yet publicly responded to the latest filing.
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