Meta has announced plans to take legal action against Israeli spyware company NSO Group over allegations of hacking and surveillance targeting users of its platforms.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, accused NSO Group of using spyware technology to monitor journalists, human rights activists, and other individuals in multiple countries.
The company said it is seeking damages and stronger legal measures to prevent NSO from using Meta-owned platforms for activities it describes as threats to user privacy and security.
NSO Group is widely known for its Pegasus spyware, software that has allegedly been used to secretly infiltrate mobile phones and collect messages, data, and private information without users’ knowledge.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly claimed that Pegasus was used to monitor opposition figures, politicians, journalists, and activists around the world.
However, NSO Group has denied accusations of human rights abuses, insisting that its technology is sold only to governments for fighting terrorism and serious crime.
Cybersecurity experts say the legal dispute highlights growing efforts by major technology companies to protect user data and challenge private surveillance firms.
The case has continued to fuel global debate over digital privacy, cybersecurity, and the use of advanced surveillance technology in modern society.