Meta Accuses NSO Group of Violating Court Order by Targeting WhatsApp Users Again
Meta filed a contempt of court motion against Israeli spyware maker NSO Group, alleging it violated a permanent injunction by attempting to target WhatsApp users through social engineering and phishing campaigns. NSO was previously found liable in December 2024 and ordered to cease all targeting of WhatsApp users, with Meta awarded $4 million in damages in May 2025. The allegation highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing court orders against commercial spyware vendors despite legal penalties.
Meta has asked a federal judge to hold NSO Group in contempt of court after claiming the Israeli spyware maker attempted to target WhatsApp users again, despite a permanent injunction issued in May 2025 barring such activity. According to Meta's statement, the alleged campaign involved social engineering attempts to lure users into clicking malicious links that would redirect them to external websites, as well as the creation of test accounts and groups on WhatsApp. WhatsApp identified and released several domains associated with the campaign, including ikhwancast.com, ghazacast.com, and fr24cast.com. This marks the latest development in Meta's long-running legal battle with NSO Group, which began with a landmark December 2024 verdict finding NSO liable for hacking WhatsApp users via its Pegasus spyware. Meta provided limited technical details about the alleged activity, such as timing, number of affected users, or whether any compromises were successful. The company emphasized that NSO's alleged continued targeting represents a national security threat and argued that easing restrictions on the spyware vendor would undermine U.S. security.
What's missing
Neither source provides NSO Group's response or perspective on the allegations, nor do they explain what mechanisms exist to enforce court orders against foreign companies or what penalties contempt findings might carry. Additionally, context about NSO's current operational status given its placement on the U.S. Entity List would be relevant.
How coverage differed
Both sources present Meta's allegations straightforwardly without independent verification of NSO's involvement. The Register provides more technical detail and skepticism about Meta's claims (noting few technical details were provided and Meta didn't respond to questions), while The Hill presents the story more briefly and factually without editorial commentary.
What different sources said
- The HillCenter
Meta accuses Israeli spyware firm of again targeting WhatsApp users
- The RegisterCenter
NSO Group back in Meta's crosshairs after alleged WhatsApp targeting
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