WhatsApp seeks contempt order against NSO over spyware targeting
New investigations revealed phishing attempts and fake account activity linked to NSO, prompting WhatsApp to disrupt operations and share threat indicators.
WhatsApp has asked a US court to hold NSO Group in contempt, alleging that the spyware company violated a permanent injunction barring it from targeting WhatsApp and its users.
The company said it disrupted spear-phishing attempts linked to NSO after investigating user reports. According to WhatsApp, the activity involved malicious links that sought to redirect users to external websites outside the messaging platform.
WhatsApp also said it identified and removed test accounts and groups created on its service as part of the suspected NSO-linked activity. The company is sharing threat indicators to help users and researchers check whether targeting attempts may have occurred across WhatsApp, text messages, email, or other channels.
The latest filing follows WhatsApp’s earlier legal victory against NSO. The company said a court found that NSO violated federal and state anti-hacking laws and issued a permanent injunction barring NSO from targeting WhatsApp and its users.
WhatsApp described commercial spyware as a national security threat, arguing that surveillance-for-hire firms target not only messaging services but also browsers, operating systems, and other applications.
The company said the targets reported for such tools include journalists, government officials, military personnel, and humanitarian organisations. It also warned against easing US restrictions on NSO, which remains on the US government’s Entity List.
WhatsApp said it is contributing to the Spyware Accountability Initiative, which supports organisations working on forensic research, user support, and advocacy against spyware.
Why does it matter?
The case shows how legal orders against spyware companies may still require active technical monitoring and enforcement. WhatsApp’s contempt request also keeps pressure on the commercial spyware industry, where surveillance tools can move across platforms, devices, browsers, and operating systems. The story matters for encrypted communications because it shows that protecting users depends not only on encryption, but also on legal accountability, threat intelligence, vulnerability research, and support for civil society targets.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our chatbot!