Meta has asked a federal court to hold NSO Group in contempt, alleging the Israeli spyware firm violated a permanent injunction by targeting WhatsApp users with phishing attempts, the company announced Monday.
The technology giant said it detected and disrupted spear-phishing campaigns linked to NSO, which tried to trick users into clicking malicious links that redirected them to external websites. This mirrors earlier 1-click phishing attacks attributed to the firm, according to Meta.
Meta also said it identified and dismantled test accounts and groups created by NSO on WhatsApp. The company emphasized that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption was not compromised in the attacks.
The Biden administration sanctioned NSO in 2021, citing activities contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. A federal court issued a permanent injunction last year barring NSO from using its Pegasus spyware to infiltrate WhatsApp.
NSO markets its hacking tools to governments worldwide, claiming they are used to combat crime and terrorism. However, the firm has faced widespread criticism for enabling human rights abuses, including surveillance of journalists and activists.
Meta noted that 12 prominent civil rights organizations have filed amicus briefs supporting the permanent injunction and opposing NSO’s appeal. The company also highlighted its contribution to the Spyware Accountability Initiative, a fund that aids groups fighting spyware abuses globally.
“This work is demanding, often dangerous, and consistently under-resourced compared to the spyware industry that continues to develop new exploits,” Meta said in a statement. “We’re committed to doing our part to support this critical effort.”
The Hill has reached out to NSO Group for comment.
