Meta Wins Lawsuit Over Pegasus Spyware Attack - 1

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Meta Wins Lawsuit Over Pegasus Spyware Attack

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Meta has won a lawsuit against the Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group over a spyware attack on approximately 1,400 WhatsApp users. The case, originally filed in 2019, concluded this Tuesday when a federal jury in California found NSO Group liable and ordered it to pay $167.25 million in damages to Meta.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • NSO Group must pay Meta $167.25 million over spyware attack.
  • The case was filed in 2019 after Meta detected the threat affecting around 1,400 WhatsApp users, including journalists, diplomats, and civil rights activists.
  • During the trial, it was revealed that Pegasus had been used to target other companies as well.

According to Meta’s announcement , this case’s outcome represents the first large-scale victory against illegal spyware affecting many users, and it benefits companies and citizens worldwide.

“Today’s verdict in WhatsApp’s case is an important step forward for privacy and security as the first victory against the development and use of illegal spyware that threatens the safety and privacy of everyone,” states the document.

“Today, the jury’s decision to force NSO, a notorious foreign spyware merchant, to pay damages is a critical deterrent to this malicious industry against their illegal acts aimed at American companies and the privacy and security of the people we serve.”

Today, our court case has made history as the first victory against illegal spyware that threatens the safety and privacy of everyone. https://t.co/WmTGNCmrhH — Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) May 6, 2025

Back in 2019, Meta detected the attack in WhatsApp’s calling system and, in partnership with the organization Citizen Lab, stopped NSO Group from using its Pegasus spyware tool to target journalists, diplomats, civil rights activists, and more WhatsApp users.

The tech giant filed the lawsuit after learning about the spyware, and during the trial, it was revealed that NSO Group was using its advanced malicious technologies on other platforms as well. The cyber-intelligence company admitted spending tens of millions of dollars to develop malware installation methods every year.

According to The Verge , the jury also awarded Meta $444,719 for damages. The tech giant will try to get a court order to prevent NSO Group from targeting WhatsApp.

Gil Lainer, a spokesperson from NSO Group, said they “will carefully examine the verdict’s details and pursue appropriate legal remedies, including further proceedings and an appeal.”

Other American companies have filed lawsuits against the cyber-intelligence company. Last year, Apple sued NSO Group for using Pegasus to target Apple users in a “mercenary spyware attack.”

Microsoft Adds AI Assistant To Windows 11 - 2

Image by Ed Hardie, from Unsplash

Microsoft Adds AI Assistant To Windows 11

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Microsoft has launched a suite of AI tools for Windows 11, aiming to simplify system settings and upgrade app functionality for users.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • AI features roll out first to Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs.
  • New tools include Click to Do and improved Windows search.
  • Photos and Paint apps get AI-powered editing features.

Microsoft has announced a new set of AI-based features for Windows 11. The most important update includes an AI agent that can modify settings on its own.

Users can type simple instructions like “make my mouse pointer bigger,” and the system will locate and apply the changes without further action from the user, as noted by Bleeping Computer . The new feature will launch first in English for Windows Insiders who use Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs before it becomes available on other devices.

Microsoft extends its “Click to Do” feature to enable users to execute actions from highlighted text or images. Users can prepare messages and set meetings and create Excel tables through this feature without needing to launch the respective applications.

Several apps are also getting upgrades. Users can now use the Relight tool in the Photos app to add virtual lighting effects to their pictures. Users of Paint will gain access to two new features: a digital sticker generator that uses text prompts, and an advanced selection tool for image editing. The Snipping Tool will gain enhanced screenshot control features, which enable users to extract text from images, and detect screen colors.

The updates will be distributed step by step to users who participate in the Windows Insider Program. The upcoming weeks will bring AI writing assistance to Notepad and phone integration to the Start menu as additional features.

The tools from Microsoft aim to boost everyday PC efficiency but the majority of features will begin with early-access testing for a small group of users.