Meta’s Suit Against NSO Group Over WhatsApp Spyware to Proceed (1)

Israeli spyware maker NSO Group can’t claim immunity from a lawsuit brought by Meta Platforms Inc.‘s WhatsApp over malware that allegedly targeted users of the messaging service, the Ninth Circuit ruled.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected in a Monday ruling NSO’s argument that it’s immune from legal action because of its work for foreign governments. So-called foreign service immunity doesn’t protect private companies, the ruling said.

NSO has defended its surveillance technologies, saying they’re sold to law enforcement and intelligence agencies to track criminals and terrorists.

“These technologies are vital for governments in the ...