NSO Group Challenges $167M Verdict in WhatsApp Spyware Case
Spyware maker NSO Group is requesting a new trial or a reduced payout after a jury ordered the company to pay $167 million in damages to WhatsApp. The verdict stems from a 2019 hacking campaign that targeted over 1,400 WhatsApp users.
NSO Group has filed a motion arguing the damages are "outrageous," "blatantly unlawful," and "unconstitutionally excessive." The company believes the amount significantly exceeds legal limits and reflects hostility towards its business activities. They are seeking a "remittitur," a legal procedure allowing courts to reduce excessive verdicts.
NSO Group Claims Financial Strain
NSO Group claims the $167 million award surpasses its ability to pay and represents an unfair punitive measure. The company previously cited financial difficulties during the trial.
WhatsApp Vows to Continue Legal Battle
WhatsApp spokesperson Margarita Franklin stated the company will continue pursuing a permanent injunction against NSO Group to prevent future targeting of WhatsApp and its users.
“For the past six years, NSO has tried to avoid accountability at every turn. This is another expected attempt to claim impunity," Franklin said. "We’ll respond to the court as we continue to pursue a permanent injunction against NSO to prevent this spyware firm from targeting WhatsApp and our users ever again.”
The initial jury verdict followed a lawsuit filed by WhatsApp against NSO Group for utilizing the Pegasus spyware to exploit a vulnerability in the messaging app. NSO Group's lawyers argue the punitive damages should not exceed four times the compensatory damages of $444,719 awarded in this case.
The legal battle between WhatsApp and NSO Group continues, with the spyware maker seeking to overturn or reduce the substantial financial penalty.
